Colchester to donate gate receipts for upcoming game to Ukraine war victims

The U's also want to wear a special yellow and blue kit

Colchester United have announced that they will donate all gate receipts from their match against Forest Green later this month to humanitarian aid efforts in Ukraine. The U's face-off against League Two league-leaders Forest Green on March 21, with tickets set to cost £10. The club will also ask for the English Football League's permission to wear a special yellow and blue kit in the style of Ukraine's national team. It comes after Russian president Vladimir Putin ordered a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Colchester said it hoped that the initiative would "raise much-needed funds to help the evacuation of Ukrainian civilians". Owner and chairman Robbie Cowling said: 

"The generations in my family that came before me, including my parents, grandparents and great-grandparents, fought for the freedom and the peace that I have been fortunate enough to enjoy during my lifetime.

"I appreciate that there will be some who have not been so fortunate and may have come to Colchester to escape regimes where such privileges could not be taken for granted in the way I have been able to.

"All I have been able to do so far is watch the news and marvel at the kindness being shown by those people in the countries that neighbour Ukraine, such as Poland, and wonder what can be done to help those refugees that have been forced out of their homes and their normal lives and into a foreign country and an uncertain future."

https://twitter.com/ColU_Official/status/1500833687214112768

Waiting on similar gesture from Premier League clubs

The U's, who currently find themselves in 19th position in League Two, five points above the relegation zone, have promised to "make up the difference" for any pre-purchases tickets - such as season tickets. The club will also ask complimentary ticket holders to pay the £10 fee as a one-off.

"Where the club is obliged to give a complimentary ticket and can't persuade the recipient to pay for it, then I will pay for it," added Cowling.

Colchester stated that, should the EFL allow them to wear the one-off kit for the fixture, it will auction off the shirts to raise further funds for humanitarian aid efforts in Ukraine.

We are still waiting on Premier League clubs to follow the example set by Colchester. Many Premier League teams, and their supporters, have displayed 'Football Stands Together' messaging and displayed Ukrainian colours, as well as having applause for people from the war-torn country.

At present, Leicester City lead the way on monetary and physical contributions, teaming up with the Red Cross to raise funds and supplies to send to the besieged Ukrainian capital of Kyiv.

Related links:

• The Hobbit actor who quit to defend Ukraine killed in battle
• Arsenal accused of hypocrisy over Ukraine after not backing Ozil’s Uighur campaign
• Premier League’s pro-Ukraine message accidentally broadcast in Russia

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