COLCHESTER United's sponsors Workhorse Generation have issued a statement after vile chants were allegedly heard from the away end during the U's game at Leyton Orient.

A section of spectators in the U's end were heard singing despicable chants about former Orient boss Justin Edinburgh, who tragically died of a cardiac arrest at the age of 49 in June, 2019.

The charity hub, whose name is displayed on the front of the U's home and away shirts, say they were 'horrified' at the chants that took place.

In a statement, they said: 'As a charity hub that is honoured to have been donated such a focal and central place as front of shirt sponsors of an incredible community focused football club, we feel we are unable to keep quiet in regards to the weekend’s events!

'As ambassadors and a network of support for tomorrow’s generation, we were horrified at the abuse and chants used at Saturdays game v Leyton Orient.

'Football is so powerful with a universal language that, channelled in a positive way, can make such a difference to so many people. We want tomorrow’s generation to understand that events such as the weekend are not OK in any walk of life not just football.'

In a statement, Colchester said: "Not for the first time this season a very small minority of those in the away section have acted in a shameful manner. This time making vile chants that no decent person would make and are in no way shared by Colchester United or the vast majority of Colchester United fans. We will co-operate with Leyton Orient should there be any further investigations."

In a statement on social media, Justin Edinburgh's son Charlie said his father's legacy and reputation will never be forgotten and 'outweighs any negativity or abuse'.

The chants have been widely condemned by supporters of both clubs and the CUSA have said they will revoke the membership of any of their members found to have been involved in the chanting, which allegedly took place during the 2-2 draw in the League Two clash, at Brisbane Road.

 

Writing on its social media account, they said: 'Needless to say that if it is established that any of our members were involved with the deplorable chanting at Orient yesterday, they will be members no longer. Sincerest apologies to the Edinburgh family on behalf of the minority of our distasteful “fans”'.

Meanwhile, the BlueWhiteArmy (BWA) U's supporters group have made a £50 donation to the Justin Edinburgh Foundation, which was founded in 2019 in memory of the former Spurs and Southend United defender with the intention of increasing survival, following cardiac arrest.

 

Writing on social media, they said: 'On behalf of all decent @ColU_Official fans we have made a £50.00 donation towards the Justin Edinburgh Foundation. We hope this makes a small amends for the deplorable chants by a section of our fanbase today. Up the O’s and Up the U’s!'.

Leyton Orient named their West Stand at Brisbane Road the Justin Edinburgh Stand in January, 2020, in memory of the former defender, who also managed at the likes of Newport County and Billericay Town.