Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell was so angered by a number of his players heading straight for the dressing room following the final whistle at Colchester that he demanded that the whole squad re-appear and go over to applaud the travelling supporters.

Crewe lost 3-1 to the U’s after dominating the majority of the first half but two lapses of concentration from two corners made it far too easy for John McGreal’s side to take a firm foothold in the game.

Artell told the club’s website: “It is collective responsibility and we are all in this together. It is about all of us. The players had to go over and face the music of the fans. It is not as if there are 6,000 over there, it is about 300 loyal fans, who have paid their hard earned money to travel down and support us.

“The players should be over and clapping them. They don’t have to go over there and explain themselves, although that would be admirable. They have to go and clap them and thank them for their support and that is why I was angered by those who headed straight for the dressing room.

“I know they are disappointed, I get that but that it the least the fans deserved. Go over there, right over them and clap them for supporting you. It is non-negotiable.”