A COLCHESTER United official has refused to condemn the abusive chanting aimed towards Ian Wright's wife at Layer Road on Saturday and warned the Burnley star to expect worse before the end of the season.

The Clarets striker wants an apology from Colchester's fans after derogatory comments were directed at his family during Burnley's weekend win.

However, U's press spokesman Brian Wheeler believes a big-name player like Wright is an obvious target and refused to condemn the abuse as it wasn't racist.

Wheeler said: "We don't condone racism or obscene chanting, that's the sort of thing we want to stamp out (in the game).

"However, we were slightly surprised by his comments considering he's a legend who has played at big clubs like Celtic and Arsenal.

"He's a superstar and he can expect a lot worse when he goes elsewhere with Burnley.

"People know he's a great player and fans will try and put him off his game and he's going to get much worse.

"We have had no complaints from Burnley fans or anyone connected with Colchester, fans or officials.

"The facts are that the chants were offensive but they were not racist."

That amounted to a weak response from the Essex club, having admitted that Wright's family was subjected to offensive remarks.

And the abuse from a section of the home fans certainly upset Wright, who attracted the biggest crowd of the season to Layer Road.

"I have taken a lot of stick in my time, which I can handle," said the Burnley striker, who helped his side to a 2-1 victory. "But it's not on when fans aim it at my family. I want an apology from the fans.

"Now I know how David Beckham must feel after every game considering the stick he gets about his wife.

"It's very cowardly and there's no need for it."

Burnley boss Stan Ternent has been pipped to the Second Division's manager-of-the-month award for February by Bristol City's caretaker manager Tony Fawthrop.

The former City chief scout guided the Ashton Gate club to three wins and two draws in the month as Tony Thorpe, who was recently close to joining Burnley on loan, found his shooting boots.

City's points tally was therefore one better than Burnley's from a game more and they are also on the verge of a place in the southern area final of the Auto Windscreens Shield after beating Exeter City 4-0 in the first leg last night.

However, the Robins, who have climbed to 10th place in the table, are yet to beat a side in higher than 13th position so far this season.

Meanwhile, Gerry Harrison completed his permitted two-match reserve stint with the Clarets at Preston on Monday night and looks set to continue to train with the club while his future is assessed.

The former Burnley defender, back at Turf Moor from Sunderland on a trial basis, can't play again without the Clarets taking him on loan at least.

However, it remains to be seen if Ternent will follow up his interest.

The boss said: "He did very well and he's starting to get his match fitness back but I can't really say what's going to happen next at the moment."

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