Digital reporter Tom Dalby was at the match at Portman Road on Tuesday. He described how events unfolded. 

It was midway through the first half when I turned to see the flash of blue.

Another missile flew past, and then another.

It was something I'd never seen before at a football match and something I hope to never see again.

A few of the 1,400-strong Colchester United faithful were gleefully ripping up seats and throwing them into the crowd below.

They landed amongst families and children, fellow Col U fans who were ushered away from the firing line and into the few empty seats around me.

Some fans reported a child had been struck.

When my friend and I ventured inside the stadium at half time for a pint, the shutters had been drawn down over the bars.

I asked a steward why the bars had been closed.

"Because you lot keep chucking chairs about," he replied.

Gazette: Colchester fans celebrate the final whistle yesterdayColchester fans celebrate the final whistle yesterday

Alcohol and football have long been a toxic combination, but such acts of mindless and dangerous vandalism have no place in the sport.

It was utterly shameful.

These events tarnished what was an otherwise incredible evening, with the vast majority of Col U fans behaving, in full voice and focused solely on getting behind the team.

Aside from the appalling behaviour from a small minority, it was undoubtedly one of the best away days I've experienced.