Magpies players in apology for racism
Statement follows Do Better report
COLLINGWOOD captain Scott Pendlebury has led the Magpies’ entire 150-member playing group in issuing a powerful apology following the club’s damning racism report.
The club’s “150 footballers and netballers” united to write a statement that opened with the word “Sorry”.
Pendlebury, pictured, and the club posted the message on social media, apologising to anyone who had been “hurt or discriminated against due to their race” through their association with the club.
After taking the time to digest the club’s Do Better report, the Magpies’ playing group said it felt “responsible for these injustices” through “our silence”.
The letter was retweeted by Collingwood captain Pendlebury soon after it was posted.
Collingwood’s response to incidents of racism was laid bare in a 35-page report, published on Monday. The report found “systemic racism” within the club that “must be addressed if things are to change”.
The Magpies’ players said they would confront the club’s history, pledging to help create a club for the future that allowed all to “thrive, regardless of race”.
“Sorry. As athletes we are sorry to hurt anyone who, through their association with our club, has been marginalised, hurt or discriminated against due to their race,” the letter read.
“Through our silence, we feel responsible for these injustices. We acknowledge it is not enough to simply show support for the principles of anti-racism and inclusion.
“We will confront the history of our club in order to learn, heal and determine how best to walk forward together.
“Over the last 72 hours we have had the opportunity to digest the Do Better report.
“We also apologise to those members, fans and community who feel guilt and shame as a result of the systemic racism that has occurred within our organisation.
“To all the young people who dream about one day pulling on the black and white stripes, we pledge as athletes to continue to help create a club that allows ALL of us to thrive, regardless of race.”
The letter was signed off “Faithfully” by the group.
Club president Eddie McGuire came under fire at a press conference on Monday when he referred to the report’s release as a “proud” day for the club. McGuire backtracked the following day at the club’s AGM, saying he regretted his choice of words.