Brentford Manager Mark Warburton said the performance of his side in their defeat to Colchester United was “totally unacceptable”.

The Bees were beaten 4-1 in Essex yesterday afternoon and produced a performance described by Mark as the worst he has seen from a Brentford team since he joined the Club.

Colchester, who started the day in danger of relegation, scored from a free kick and then a corner around the half hour and made it three from the penalty spot late in the first half.

Stuart Dallas pulled a goal back but Colchester made the game safe with a fourth in the second half.

Mark, speaking after the game, said he was angered by his side’s show.

He said his players had prepared properly and were not easing off even though they have already won promotion from Sky Bet League One.

Mark said he played the strongest team he could but too many didn’t turn up.

He added the only saving grace was that there was one more game – against Stevenage next week at Griffin Park – to put it right.

“I asked the players what the message should be,” said Mark, speaking to the press after the match.

“They told me it wasn’t good enough and people shouldn’t have to pay to watch Brentford play like that.

“The only saving grace is we have next week to put it right.

“We will put it right next week, that was totally unacceptable.

“This is a local game for us, our preparation was good.

“We trained well and we stayed overnight in Colchester, arranged it late, to make sure our preparation was spot on.

“We had no intention of coming here with a weakened team.

“Adam Forshaw is injured, Harlee Dean is injured, Sam Saunders is coming back from injury and Jake Bidwell has a groin strain.

“Otherwise, we played the strongest team we could play.

“There was a mention in the programme that Brentford might be on the beach, that was not the case and I want the other teams looking for us to get something today to know that.

“We have had an inquest and there will be more.

“That was unacceptable.”

Mark said a few players – Jonathan Douglas, Stuart Dallas and Alan Judge – could hold their heads up but most couldn’t.

He said the players wanted to apologise to almost 2,500 Brentford supporters that made the trip to Essex.

“I am angry,” said the Brentford Manager.

“We have 2,500 fans pay to come and watch a promoted team play.

“Colchester fans were singing to our fans and they were right, they spoiled the party.

“We came here to play football and we didn’t turn up.

“I can excuse Jonathan Douglas, who I thought was very good, Alan Judge and Stuart Dallas.

“Apart from that we weren’t good enough.

“You can maybe get away with one or two not turning up, if that is seven or eight, you won’t.

“We apologise to the fans.

“We will turn up next week, no doubt about that.”

Mark said he thought some of his players looked disinterested.

“We were sloppy all over the park,” he said.

“We didn't move it quick, gave it away cheaply, didn’t rotate the ball.

“We didn't do what we have done well all season.

“We were a yard off the pace and didn’t hold our position.

“Some of the players and it galls me to say it, looked almost disinterested.

“That is the worst I have seen a Brentford team play since I have been involved in the Club.

“I am frustrated and annoyed and we have to correct it.

“We will.

“Any players not feeling the same won’t be in the dressing room next year.

“I will pick the team on who trains well this week, who shows desire.

“We have been very good all season but we have lost 4-1 to Colchester United, and I don’t mean that in a disrespectful way.

“They are fighting for their lives, we knew that, that is why we prepared in the way we did.

“That is totally unacceptable from Brentford Football Club and for the fans.”

Full post-match reaction from Mark Warburton is available here for Bees Player subscribers.