Collingwood implores fans not to boo Lance Franklin again

Collingwood has taken a bold step after club legend Nathan Buckley slammed Magpie fans who booed Lance Franklin on Sunday.

Collingwood fans are under fire for booing Swans legend Buddy Franklin (left). Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Collingwood has issued an official apology to Lance Franklin after club great Nathan Buckley called out the “ignorance and bigotry” of Magpie fans who the Sydney superstar at the MCG on Sunday.

Swans coach John Longmire was perplexed by the anti-Franklin sentiment from Magpie fans on Sunday and Collingwood coach Craig McRae said “we don’t boo”, declaring it against the vibe of what he’s trying to build.

On Monday afternoon the club released an official statement in which McRae, Collingwood Captain Darcy Moore and CEO Craig Kelly issued the apology and called on fans to treat greats like Franklin “with respect”.

“We apologise to the Sydney Swans and to Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin,” the statement said.

“The Club does not support booing, particularly champions of the game.

“Yesterday was the first time we played the Swans at the MCG in a decade – it provided an opportunity to respect a champion of the game and we fell short.

Collingwood Captain Darcy Moore, Senior Coach Craig McRae and CEO Craig Kelly wish to address the booing which took place at the MCG yesterday.

Full statement:

— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) May 8, 2023

“Buddy is a great of Australian Football – what he has achieved on the field over a long period of time demands a high level of respect.

“To our Members and supporters, we are on an exciting journey at Collingwood and we do not take for granted the unwavering support you provide us with at every game – home or away. Our fans turn up like no other – you’re our 19th player – you’re loud, you’re passionate, you’re emotional.

“We hope the next time we get the chance to witness a champion of the game we treat them with respect, the same respect we ask for when it comes to our players and our champions.”

It came after Buckley, also a former Magpies coach, said fans should have “celebrated” Franklin as a champion of the game and those who “aren’t bigots” should drown out any boos with cheers if they get the chance again.

“If we get another chance, I hope Collingwood fans that aren’t ignorant and that aren’t bigots – because there will be some booing – stand up and applaud every time he gets a touch and try and drown that (booing) out,” he said on Monday morning.

“That’s exactly what the stars of the game and his status in the game deserves.

“We were gifted an opportunity to celebrate this undisputed champion and a section of the faithful chose to denigrate. I don’t think that we took the opportunity to do the right thing and take the higher ground.”

I find booing boring. Booing Buddy by pies supporters I think was based on booing a champion because he was playing against our club. I found it boring and embarrassing.

— Tony Shaw (@TonyShaw22) May 7, 2023

Buckley said with Collingwood on top of the ladder, Magpies fans didn’t need to boo Franklin.

“I love the Collingwood faithful, but I’ve got a message (for them),” Buckley told SEN.

“Your team is the toast of the town and they’re handling themselves on and off the field with class and poise.

“So, let’s try and fall into line on the other side of the fence.

“At best, it was a begrudging acknowledgment of the sustained brilliance Franklin has brought against Collingwood and at worst, it’s ignorance and bigotry.

“It’s been 10 years since he played Collingwood here. Why would you boo one of the champions of the game? It doesn’t make sense.”

I don’t remember anyone booing Gary Ablett in his final season of footy. I don’t remember anyone booing Luke Hodge in his final year of footy.

Wonder why Buddy Franklin is getting booed 🤔 #AFLpic.twitter.com/1HoiL2h2DY

— Mark Gottlieb (@MarkGottlieb) May 7, 2023

Longmire just couldn‘t understand why Franklin was booed.

“Why would you boo him?” Longmire said.

“You’d probably celebrate a 36-year-old, wouldn’t you, who’s been a champion of the game.

“It’s been 10 years since he played Collingwood here. Why would you boo one of the champions of the game? It doesn’t make sense.”

McRae response was succinct when he was asked.

“We just don’t boo,” he said after Collingwood’s 29-point win.

Originally published as Collingwood implores fans not to boo Lance Franklin again