Report finds ‘systemic racism’ at Collingwood

Collingwood have had an unhealthy culture of protecting individuals ahead of the club, where systemic racism has long existed, according to the long-awaited report prompted by Heritier Lumumba’s claims of racism.

The 35-page independent report, which was obtained by News Corp, suggests the club’s actions have been at best ineffective and at worst have exacerbated problems of racism at the club.

The report has found there is systemic racism at Collingwood.Credit: Getty Images

“There is a gap between what Collingwood Football Club says it stands for and what it does,” said the report.

“While claims of racism have been made across the AFL, there is something ­distinct and egregious about Collingwood’s history.”

The report was tabled with the board before Christmas, days after long-standing club president Eddie McGuire said he would stand down as at the end of this year.

“There is a culture of individuals, if not quite being bigger than the club, then at least having an unhealthy ­degree of influence over club culture,” the report allegedly said.

Lumumba refused to participate in the report, doubtful of Collingwood’s rigour in addressing the issues.

The report was written by Professor Larissa Behrendt and Professor Lindon Coombes, both from the University of Technology in Sydney, who completed 30 interviews.

Lumumba has lodged a claim in the Supreme Court alleging an unsafe workplace at Collingwood but those papers are yet to be served on the named defendants, Collingwood and the AFL.

His lawyer, Rhea Dillon, from Phi Finney McDonald, told The Age on Monday that “the report vindicates our client’s claims”. Lumumba is seeking acknowledgment of the racism, an apology and compensation for what occurred.

The report looked at the broader culture at Collingwood and was not focused on Lumumba’s claims as he was not prepared to be involved in the process.

“Individuals have paid a high cost for speaking out against racism at the club,” News Corp quoted the report as saying.

“What is clear is that racism at the club has resulted in profound and enduring harm to First Nations and African players. The racism affected them, their communities, and set dangerous norms for the public.

“As one person we spoke to said: ‘If you look at every high-profile incident of racism in the game, Collingwood is there somewhere.’

“A consistent pattern with the Collingwood Football Club is what has been seen as its failure to adequately address incidents when they have arisen,” it said.

The review found Collingwood “takes a ‘guns pointing out’ or ‘double down’ approach rather than taking the lead in investigating and addressing complaints or issues raised.

“This has also meant that Collingwood’s response has often been perceived as one where claims of racism are dealt with in terms of damage control and protecting the brand, rather than seeking to address issues and make change,” it said.

“This has meant people who felt aggrieved within the club felt they were not being heard. ‘It’s hard to be a Collingwood supporter’ was the reflection of several Indigenous fans of the club who struggled with the club’s lack of leadership on issues of racism.

“All of this comes back to the leadership of the Collingwood Football Club – particularly its board – and the need for them to set the vision and values of the club and to drive structural change within the organisation.”

The report referenced McGuire inappropriately joking on his radio show that Adam Goodes could be used to promote King Kong only days after Goodes had been called an ape by a young fan.

The report made 18 recommendations and accepted the club had made “important and positive steps … in the past few years” including appointing a first nations person to the board and introducing policies targeted at racism.

It accepted Collingwood deserved credit for initiating the review and report.

“It needs to be noted and underlined that, in undertaking this review, the club was unflinching in holding up a mirror to itself.

“It was a brave first step that few would have the courage to take.”

Behrendt’s office was making no comment when contacted by The Age.

Collingwood have been contacted for comment.