Former St Kilda player Robbie Muir receives ‘overwhelming’ support after racist revelations were made public

A GoFundMe page has raised $110,000 for former Saint Robbie Muir to help cover costs of football-related injuries, just days after he spoke out about the intense racism he endured throughout his playing career.

Robert Muir at West Torrens training in 1979.

Former St Kilda footballer Robert Muir says he has “been overwhelmed” by the reaction to his story and hopes to now form a greater relationship with the club he still loves.

Muir released a statement through the Saints on Tuesday, asking for privacy as he processed the past few days since revealing the racism and trauma of his playing days in a story published by the ABC on Sunday.

A GoFundMe page was set up by St Kilda fans on Sunday to pay for surgery on a shoulder damaged playing football and to show Muir “the collective care and support that should have been afforded him when he played for our club”.

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Robbie Muir pictured in 2001.

Further donations to the page have been disabled after it quickly raised a whopping $110,000.

“In the last two days, I have been overwhelmed by the reaction to my story, and want to thank everyone who has sent me kind wishes,” Muir said.

“I appreciate it greatly, because for most of my life people have not understood the difficulties I’ve faced because of racism and trauma.

“My first priorities are my family and my mental health. I ask that people respect my privacy, and avoid making personal contact for now.

“I would like to make note of the many former teammates and opponents who have tried to get in touch, and assure them that a time will come when we can reconnect.”

St Kilda has apologised for “grave errors” in not supporting Muir during his 68-game career for the club, with Muir saying he now hoped to reconnect with the Saints when the time was right.

Muir before umpiring the EJ Whitten Legends game in 2006.

“Although the recognition of the St Kilda Football Club and the AFL community has made me feel more valued, and I look forward to forming an ongoing relationship with them, for the time being I would appreciate some space,” Muir said.

“Although I have suffered greatly because of my involvement in the game, my love for football and for St Kilda remains.

“I missed out on the support I needed when I played, but I am glad it is being offered now.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have made a huge contribution to AFL football. All we ask for in return is respect.”

Saints respond to Muir’s horrifying racism revelations

— Jon Ralph

St Kilda says it has made “grave errors” in dealing with indigenous players and will personally apologise after ex-player Robbie Muir revealed details of horrific racist abuse across his career.

St Kilda’s freakishly talented indigenous player Muir played 68 games but lost many games to suspension, often in retaliation to abuse from rival players.

In an ABC feature on Sunday he said he had asked St Kilda to be invited to functions celebrating Indigenous Round but had been ignored by the club.

He said in one of his first experiences at the club he was urinated on by a star senior player in a career that spanned 1974-1984.

St Kilda chief executive Matt Finnis said yesterday as the club celebrated its contribution to Indigenous Round it was clear much more needed to be done.

St Kilda have apologised to former player Robbie Muir and will reach out to him after his horrifying revelations of racism.

“We admire Robert’s courage to speak out about the racism he has endured and lack of support provided by our Club when he needed it most,” he said.

“We apologise unreservedly to Robert and his family and are humbled that he continues to love our Club.

“We must face the reality that the St Kilda Football Club has made grave errors in the past and may still be failing to grasp the full impact of the hurt felt by individuals, their families and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“We will reach out to Robert to apologise personally, to provide the necessary support now and in the future, and to ensure he feels the respect and sense of belonging he deserves as one of the St Kilda Football Club’s pioneering Indigenous footballers.”

The AFL said in a statement last night there were more players stories like Muir’s experience in football it needed to rectify.

“Unfortunately there are too many stories like this in our code and country’s history. We would like Robert to know we acknowledge his story, and, along with the St Kilda Football Club, will be making contact to understand further how we can respond, in accordance with Robert’s wishes,” the AFL said.

“We will be there to assist with a process of recovery and reconciliation and we also understand that there will be similar stories from our game’s past that we need to address.”

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Originally published as Former St Kilda player Robbie Muir receives ‘overwhelming’ support after racist revelations were made public