Racism at football reflects on society - Cowley

Danny Cowley says allegations of racism made at Colchester United games were "really disappointing" to hear about

The head coach of Colchester United said alleged racist incidents at two of the side's games were a damning indictment on society.

Danny Cowley's comments came after a United player reported being racially abused from the stands after the goalless draw at Fleetwood Town on Saturday.

It marked the second time this season police have investigated racist abuse allegedly aimed at a Colchester player, after a similar report in August.

"It's something we've got to keep fighting against as a football club, as a sport and as a society," said Cowley.

Cowley said he became aware of an incident during the game in November, adding it was "really disappointing" to hear of.

Colchester held Fleetwood to a goalless stalemate during a hard-fought contest at Highbury Stadium on 30 November

"Unfortunately it doesn't reflect well on society," he told the BBC.

"It's only one person and we have to remember this, but it's being dealt with.

"We all know there's no place for it and we want to treat each other with the respect we all deserve.

"We have to keep working and fighting as a game, as a society, because we live in the 21st Century - surely we're not still talking about these issues?"

Cowley praised Fleetwood for its "proactive" response to the allegation.

The Lancashire side previously said it was assisting the police investigation and took all reports of discrimination "incredibly seriously".

In August, U's striker Samson Tovide said he was racially abused during a 1-1 draw at Accrington Stanley.

Cowley said he understood an investigation into this incident was ongoing.