Bust-up in the Carlton rooms leads to director Craig Mathieson quitting the club’s board

Billionaire businessman Bruce Mathieson leases four gaming venues to the Blues. But after nephew Craig resigned from the board, his ties to the club might be cut, too.

Carlton president Luke Sayers. Picture: Michael Klein

It could be open season on the Mathiesons.

Carlton’s board accepted the resignation of Craig Mathieson at the weekend and it’s understood the Blues are considering whether to continue their financial arrangement with his uncle, Bruce Mathieson.

The billionaire businessman and long-time benefactor leases four gaming venues to the Blues.

But they are seeking unity and there is a sense at Ikon Park that cutting ties with both Mathiesons will help that cause.

As revealed exclusively by the Herald Sun, director Craig Mathieson quit the board after a bust-up in the Carlton rooms following Friday night’s loss to Sydney. Mathieson was openly vocal in the rooms and angry after yet another loss, which prompted president Luke Sayers to step in.

Sayers allegedly told Mathieson there was a time and place to express his opinion, and in the rooms post-match wasn’t it.

The confrontation was seen by fellow directors as well as family and friends of players.

It’s understood the players were in a meeting and did not see the incident.

Carlton president Luke Sayers had to step in on Friday night. Picture: Michael Klein

Despite the boardroom saga, Craig Mathieson and Sayers were among dozens of influential supporters and former Carlton greats who attended a function at Ikon Park on Monday night.

The gathering called ‘The First 18’ was organised by the Blues primarily to thank their financial backers who contributed to the redevelopment of the ground.

It has been a turbulent period for the Blues, who have dropped to 13th after a string of recent losses amid off-field distractions.

Bruce Mathieson launched an attack on the club’s management failings two weeks ago. He told the Herald Sun on May 14: “Put it this way, I will never, ever go out of my way to help Carlton again while any of these people are still in power”.

Asked about whether the club might try to cut ties with the lucrative pokies machine licences he has gifted the club, Mathieson said: “They possibly will try because they are complete and utter imbeciles.”

Bruce Mathieson also told the Herald Sun at the time: “Luke Sayers is the president – he’s the boss and should take full responsibility for all of it. He’s the bloke who is supposed to bring home the bacon.”

Sayers will fly to Italy next month for a holiday to celebrate his wife Cate’s 50th birthday. He is expected to miss one home game, the round 14 clash against Gold Coast at the MCG, and no scheduled board meetings.

Blues players after the loss to the Swans. Picture: Matt King/AFL Photos

Carlton is now six points outside the top eight despite Sayers declaring the club expected to play finals this season. Former coach David Teague regretted the club’s instability when he was sacked by Sayers in 2021.

“One of the key messages when I took over (in 2019) was around stability, and I hear them talking about those words now,” Teague said.

“I wish they had of been talking about it when they were giving me the bud. I would’ve loved to have stayed.”

Carlton confirmed Craig Mathieson’s resignation in a statement on Monday morning.

“We accept Craig’s decision to resign from his role as a club director and thank him for all he has contributed to the Blues across 11 years of service,” Sayers said.

Sayers also wrote a letter to members insisting he’d be at the MCG on Friday night.

“We will judge our 2023 season at the end of the year, in its totality.

“Football clubs are defined by their moments of adversity and I can guarantee we will handle ours with a level-headed professionalism that Carlton people should expect.

“Take care of yourselves and each other this week Bluebaggers. I can’t wait to be with you at the ‘G on Friday night.”

The Blues face Melbourne on Friday night at the MCG.

Originally published as Bust-up in the Carlton rooms leads to director Craig Mathieson quitting the club’s board