Colchester United have reported Norwich City and its management team to the Football League following the appointment of Paul Lambert as Canaries manager.

Colchester United have reported Norwich City and its management team to the Football League following the appointment of Paul Lambert as Canaries manager.

Colchester United's board of directors have issued the following statement on the club's official website:

We regret that it has not been possible to settle compensation claims with Norwich City relating to Paul Lambert, Ian Culverhouse and Gary Karsa and therefore we have had to report all four parties to the Football League for breach of Football League Regulations and misconduct.

The Football League will set up a Football Disciplinary Commission (FDC) to hear Colchester's complaint.

The FDC has power to award Colchester compensation and deduct points from Norwich, a remedy which we are advised might be particularly relevant in this case.

Chairman Robbie Cowling said: "In the past the two clubs have always enjoyed an excellent relationship and, during the time they were at Colchester United, I had a first class relationship with Paul, Ian and Gary who did a wonderful job for us.

"We have genuinely tried to preserve those good relations and it therefore saddens me that we feel compelled to take this step.

"However, no one should doubt the resolve of the Colchester United Board to seek a fair outcome from this matter."

Norwich City issued the following statement on their official website in reply:

"City can confirm they have been informed Colchester United have made a formal complaint to the Football League against the Canaries and three members of our management team, Paul Lambert, Ian Culverhouse and Gary Karsa.

"The matter is now in the hands of our legal representatives and the two clubs will be called to a hearing of the Football Disciplinary Commission to resolve the matter."