IPSWICH Town chiefs have expressed their regret after it was claimed players had acted "like animals" at a party and enraged a stripper. Blues chairman David Sheepshanks said he "utterly deplored" the behaviour of the football stars – and insisted there was no place for it at the club.

IPSWICH Town chiefs have expressed their regret after it was claimed players had acted "like animals" at a party and enraged a stripper.

Blues chairman David Sheepshanks said he "utterly deplored" the behaviour of the football stars – and insisted there was no place for it at the club.

He spoke out after stripper Tracey Forge told how Town players ripped her nurse's uniform and hurled beer over her during a private party at Fred's Café Bar in Colchester.

Players were later disciplined for the incident, which happened in December, and the club paid the 31-year-old £500 in compensation.

Mr Sheepshanks said he was "furious" following the incident – details of which have only just emerged. It is thought a mixture of first and reserve team players were at the event.

The Town chief said the club had "drawn a line" under last season, which ended in relegation from the Premiership, and said players would be aiming to put it right by gaining promotion in this campaign.

"We cannot allow this incident from last year to interfere with that effort. I deplore it, but it's history," he added.

Team manager George Burley called it "an unfortunate incident – one that I will not tolerate" and said he understood a few players caused the party to get out of hand.

"The players who attended the event paid compensation for the damage to the dancer's costume and for the distress caused. It was made very clear to the players the standards of conduct I expect of them at all times as representatives of Ipswich Town Football Club."

He added that not all of the squad were present and neither were any of the coaching staff.