Ex-Colchester United assistant Alex Dyer leaves CSKA Sofia after racist abuse

Dyer, who was Hayden Mullins' right-hand man at the U's until their departure in January, was working alongside former West Ham United and Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew, at the Bulgarian club.

But the pair have now resigned over 'unacceptable' behaviour from a 'small group of organised racist fans'.

Four black players were reportedly subjected to racist chants and had bananas thrown at them as they arrived for a match against Botev Plovdiv.

It is understood that Dyer and Pardew were appalled by the incident and sought urgent talks with club bosses after the game.

Dyer joined Pardew in Bulgaria in April, after becoming the first black man to work in a coaching capacity at Sofia.

But the duo have now departed, following the racist abuse.

In a statement on CSKA's official website, Pardew said: "It was a privilege for me to be a part of and to serve this club. Unfortunately, my time here is over.

"The events before and after the match with Botev were not acceptable for me, for my assistant Alex Dyer, or for our players.

"The reason no one gave an interview after the (match) was that we were all very outraged by the situation that had escalated.

"Our players decided to play only out of loyalty and to protect the club. The small group of organised racist fans who tried to sabotage this match is not what I want to lead and represent the team.

"Definitely, this is not the right path for the benefit of CSKA, because such a club deserves much more."

Dyer became Colchester’s new assistant manager last June, following the appointment of Mullins as head coach.

The 56-year-old had previously been in charge at Scottish club Kilmarnock and has also had coaching roles at the likes of West Ham United, Charlton Athletic and Huddersfield Town.

Dyer and Mullins departed the JobServe Community Stadium in January following a run of six straight defeats, in all competitions.