The Shameful Episode
Collingwood Football Club, in a historic move, issued an official apology to Indigenous football players Nicky Winmar and Gilbert McAdam, for the racist abuse they were subjected to by Magpie fans at Victoria Park in April 1993. The two clubs, St Kilda and Collingwood, united in a show of respect towards Winmar during the Sunday’s round-five contest, where players ran through a joint banner. They stood shoulder-to-shoulder around the center circle as Winmar tossed the coin.
The Events of 1993
Nicky Winmar was subjected to racial slurs by Collingwood fans during a game on April 17, 1993. In response to the abuse, he lifted his jumper and pointed to his skin saying, “I’m proud to be black.” It was a powerful stance against racism that shook the nation. The following week, Collingwood’s then-president Allan McAllister made offensive comments about Indigenous peoples. His racist remarks compounded the hurt caused by the abuse suffered by Winmar and McAdam.
Apologies and Acknowledgements
The AFL, St Kilda, and Collingwood Football Club came together before Sunday’s match to deliver respectful acknowledgement of the shameful episode from 1993. Collingwood apologized for the appalling comments made by its most senior official in the days following the game. During the game interval, players from both sides stood around the centre circle while an apology video played on screen.
Do Better Report
The Victoria Park episode and Allan McAllister’s comments were documented in the “Do Better” report into Collingwood football club’s history of racism that was released earlier this year. The report stated that there are systemic issues within the club, and if not addressed the culture of racist behaviour would remain unchallenged. The report recommended various steps that the club needed to take to eliminate racism from their ranks.
More Work to be Done
The Collingwood Football Club acknowledged that racism is harmful and has no place in the game of football. They also recognize that real and lasting cultural change takes time, dedication, and persistence. There is no finishing line when it comes to eliminating racism from football and society in general.
Emulating Proud Stands
Nicky Winmar’s 1993 stance against racism was so powerful that it went down in history. It was an inspiration for future Indigenous footballers who had to face similar abuse from fans. Jamarra Ugle-Hagan emulated Winmar’s stance last month in response to racist abuse during a game against St Kilda. Ugle-Hagan responded to racial taunts with a five-goal haul against Brisbane. Despite these efforts, racist abuse continues to be directed at Indigenous footballers, including Michael Walters, Nathan Wilson, Charlie Cameron, and Izak Rankine.
In conclusion, the apology from Collingwood Football Club is just the beginning of the long journey towards eliminating racism from football and society as a whole. It is essential for clubs and individuals to acknowledge past wrongs and work on cultural change so that events like this never happen again.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
