Collingwood president Eddie McGuire has insisted the club is not racist, despite an independent report finding “structural racism” within the AFL club under his leadership. McGuire said he would remain in his role to drive through changes recommended by the report, which was commissioned following allegations from former player Héritier Lumumba.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, McGuire disputed the report’s key finding of systemic racism. “There was not systemic racism as such, we just didn’t have the processes in place,” he said. “We’re not a mean-spirited club. We’re not a racist club.” He described the report’s release as a “historic and proud day for the club”.
The report, titled Do Better, was produced by University of Technology Sydney’s Distinguished Professor Larissa Behrendt. It found that Collingwood’s senior leadership must address structural racism, and recommended the club establish a truth-telling process and an expert group on anti-racism. The report also said the club should make amends to those who had paid a “very high public price” for speaking out, potentially including reparations, compensation, and a public apology.
Greens senator Lidia Thorpe, a lifelong Collingwood supporter who rescinded her membership over the issue, called on the club to “grow a spine” and sack McGuire. “As the head of the club, Eddie not only oversaw these issues – he’s been part of the problem,” she said. “We won’t forget how he treated Adam Goodes. We won’t forget how he treated Héritier Lumumba.”
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said the league would review the report’s findings. “The mistakes of the past show that racism in any form or on any level is a serious issue,” he said. McGuire announced in December he would step down at the end of next season after 23 years as president.
