Outgoing Collingwood president Eddie McGuire has been torn to shreds on social media for labelling today ‘a day of pride’ for the football club, amid findings of a toxic culture and systemic racism.
The outspoken media personality addressed the topic publicly after details of the scathing independent report was leaked.
“While claims of racism have been made across the AFL, there is something distinct and egregious about Collingwood’s history,” the report says.
“In the thirty interviews undertaken for this review, there was no clear consensus about what the values of the Collingwood Football Club were.
“There is a gap between what Collingwood Football Club says it stands for and what it does.”
However despite the findings of a toxic culture, McGuire commenced the press conference by labelling it as a proud day
“This is a historic and proud day for the Collingwood Football Club,” the 56-year-old said.
“We have spent the last 6 years in a deep dive into how we can make ourselves better, provide leadership and conversation in the community as only Collingwood can.
“We have decided as a club that this fight against racism and discrimination is where we want to be.”
Football fans were quick to point out the tone deaf nature of McGuire’s attempt to put a positive spin on the damning findings.
Some Magpies’ members expressed their embarrassment to be affiliated with the club on a dark day in their proud history.
“Where is the apology? I can’t stomach this. How can he sit there and call this a proud day? This is not a proud day, in fact one of the worst, if not the worst day in the clubs history. I am disgusted. You need to go now!” one user wrote.
Where is the apology? I can’t stomach this. How can he sit there and call this a proud day? This is not a proud day, in fact one of the worst, if not the worst day in the clubs history. I am disgusted. You need to go now!”
“So much of Eddie McGuire feels like listening to Donald Trump. Trying to spin this as a positive for Collingwood is just a bad strategy,” another said.
“There in lies the problem. Doesn’t understand unfortunately and still thinks this is a boost for him and what be does,” another said.
McGuire will finish his tenure as president – a role he’s held since 1988 – at the end of this season.
Following today’s disastrous comments, many have called for him to step down immediately, describing his post as ‘untenable’.