Controversy continues to swirl around the AFL after Collingwood president’s blunder.
The Collingwood Magpies board said they will fully support under-fire president Eddie McGuire in the wake of his “King Kong” remarks on his radio show.
Less than a week after Sydney Swans veteran Adam Goodes was called an “ape” by a 13-year-old spectator, the AFL has again been embroiled into another race row.
Speaking on his regular radio segment, McGuire made comments of “King King” towards Goodes, sparking a furore from listeners and those in the AFL community.
Despite saying it was a “slip of the tongue” McGuire copped a serve backlash from fans and even some players, with Collingwood defender Harry O’Brien particularly critical.
McGuire has aplogised to the AFL, his club, Adam Goodes and others that were offended by his remarks as he continues to contain the fallout from the latest ugly incident.
“It’s hard to be portrayed as the opposite of what you are,” McGuire said.
“If I’m feeling it this morning, I can only imagine what Adam Goodes has felt all his life and Harry O’Brien.
“That’s why I’m not turning it into the wailing wall for me. This is about these guys.
“I’ve copped it and, you know what, maybe I’m getting a feel for what they cop every day of their lives.”
The AFL said they will investigate the incident as they believe McGuire has broken the code of ethics set down to prevent racial vilification.
In the wake of the scandal, McGuire offered to step down as Collingwood president to avoid any further trouble to his club, but the board said that will not be necessary.
“While we accept that Eddie made a mistake that caused serious offence to Adam Goodes and many more, we balance this against the work Eddie and the board have done, and continue to do, to make Collingwood an institution in football and society that our entire ‘family’ can be proud of. One committed to fairness, equality and social justice,” Collingwood vice-president Jack Kennedy said.
“Eddie has led with distinction for almost 15 years and a hallmark of his time has been a commitment to positive change on and off the field, at Collingwood and beyond.
“Eddie has been a magnificent president of this club and his ongoing leadership is essential.”
McGuire earned praise from the AFL community for his swift action after the 13-year-old female fan, who originally abused Goodes, was a Magpies fan.
The president met with the Sydney star immediately after his side lost to Sydney by 47 points last round, to offer his apologies for what was said.
However, all of that goodwill was lost in a few seconds of madness from McGuire which many predict will take him a long time to live down.
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