Collingwood legend implores fans not to boo Buddy Franklin

Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley has unleashed on the Magpies fans who booed AFL legend Lance Franklin - calling their approach ‘bigotry’.

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

Collingwood great Nathan Buckley has called out the “ignorance and bigotry” of Magpie fans who booed Sydney superstar Lance Franklin 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.

Franklin, 36, was potentially playing his second last game on the MCG and the Swans don’t play Collingwood again this season unless they meet in the finals.

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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.

Lance Franklin (left) of the Swans and Darcy Moore of the Magpies shake hands after the match at the MCG. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

“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.”

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 was likely one of Lance Franklin’s final appearances at the MCG. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

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

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

“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.”

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.