SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has slammed Colchester United’s ‘disgraceful’ celebrations following Tuesday night’s Essex derby.

The U’s 2-0 victory saw them virtually safe from relegation.

But Brown was not at all happy with the way the home-side behaved.

“I was disappointed in our local neighbours,” said Brown.

“OK they survived, well played.

“They’ve put nine points between us and them but to celebrate in the manner they did was disgraceful.

“You would think they had won the title.

“They’re third or fourth bottom in the table.

“I hate it when average players become great players overnight because they’ve been beaten us in a game of football.”

And Brown was also disappointed Colchester sought retrospective punishment against a Southend player, believed to be John White.

“To duck out of challenges, dive down, pretend your injured and try to go for retrospective punishment is absolute rubbish,” said Brown.

“You can tell our neighbours that I hope they hear what I’m saying too.”