Eddie McGuire refuses to stand down in Collingwood racism row

Eddie McGuire will not stand down as Collingwood president, saying he wants to implement the reforms outlined in a report that found systemic racism at the AFL club.

Embattled Collingwood president Eddie McGuire admitted he “got it wrong” by heralding as a proud day the release of a damning report that found systemic racism within the club, but he was defying calls to stand down, vowing to drive through anti-racism reform in the final year of his presidency.

Opening the club’s annual general meeting on Tuesday night, McGuire said it was unfortunate controversy over his choice of words had overshadowed the report’s findings and recommen­dations. “In my opening, I got it wrong — I said it was a proud day for Collingwood and I shouldn’t have,” he said.

“I did not mean we were proud of past incidents of racism and the hurt it caused. It has been interpreted widely that way, and I ­regret that deeply.”

The independent review found racism within Collingwood had ­resulted in “profound and enduring” harm to ­Aboriginal and African players. It made 18 recommen­dations for reform, including developing an incident response framework.

McGuire said Collingwood was apologetic and humbled by the ­report, saying the club would dismantle structural racism.

“This is my last year of 23 years as president of this club and I want to leave it knowing I have helped implement the next stage of changes we have committed to on this historic mission,” he said.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, right, has backed Collingwood President Eddie McGuire. Pictures: Jake Nowakowski, David Crosling

McGuire’s defiance came after Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, AFL chief Gillon McLachlan and Nine backed him in the face of widespread criticism.

Asked on Tuesday whether McGuire should resign in light of evidence of systemic racism, Mr Andrews said: “I don’t think running away from challenges is leadership, whether it’s in a footy club or any other role. I think you’ve asked me should (McGuire) go, and I’m saying no.

“That doesn’t make any sense to me. That’s running from a challenge instead of dealing with it.”

Mr McLachlan also swung his weight behind McGuire but said he did not agree with his choice of the word “proud” in response to the ­report. “I know from the conversation I had with Ed that he’s committed to taking the club forward and implementing the recommendations,” he said.

Nine also backed McGuire on Monday, saying the network would support the Millionaire Hot Seat host as he addressed racism within Collingwood.

“Eddie McGuire commissioned the report into the culture at Collingwood in order to begin the journey to address racism at the club,” a spokesman said.

“We support him in taking this action and in addressing the issues that the club faces.”

Major Collingwood partner ­Insurance Australia Group said it was concerned and disappointed by the findings of the report. “We are a significant supporter of reconciliation in Australia and, as a business, we are focused on promoting diversity, inclusion and ­belonging in all our communities,” a spokeswoman said.

A spokeswoman for major partner Emirates said the airline condemned racism and was pleased Collingwood was adapting the report’s recommendations.

The Magpies commissioned the independent review after former player Heritier Lumumba ­alleged he was subjected to casual ­racism and given the nickname “chimp”.

Speaking from his home in Los Angeles, Lumumba said McGuire needed to step down for change to happen. “The Collingwood Football Club must accept that it has been a racist club, it has been a leader in racism when it comes to Australian sport and it must own that history,” he told the ABC.

Earlier, the Brazilian-born player took to Twitter to lash Collingwood’s response to the report as “bizarre” and “delusional”.

Lumumba’s former teammate, Shae McNamara, condemned Collingwood’s response, saying the club had enabled racist behaviour when he played for it between 2010 and 2012. “(I am) extremely disappointed in their cowardice and enabling of that behaviour and the lie that was perpetrated.”

Former Gold Coast Suns player Joel Wilkinson, who was racially abused during a match in 2011 by a rival player and again by a Collingwood fan a year later, was scathing of Collingwood.

He said AFL boss Mr McLachlan should take responsibility for what has unfolded at the Magpies.