Collingwood players have issued an apology for their part in allowing a culture of racism to develop at the club.
In an open letter attributed to “the 150 footballers and netballers of Collingwood”, the players begin with the word “Sorry”.
“As athletes we are sorry to anyone who, through their association with our club, has been marginalised, hurt or discriminated against due to their race,” it reads.
“Through our silence we feel responsible for these injustices. We acknowledge it is not enough to simply show support for the principles of anti-racism and inclusion.
“We will confront the history of our club in order to learn, heal and determine how best to walk forward together.
The letter comes in response to the Do Better report which was commissioned in the wake of persistent allegations made by the former player, Héritier Lumumba, of a culture of racism at the AFL club.
Lumumba was vindicated when the report, co-authored by the UTS Sydney distinguished professor and Yuwaalaraay woman, Larissa Behrendt, found Collingwood had a problem with structural racism.
“Over the last 72 hours we have had the opportunity to digest the Do Better report,” the players wrote on Thursday.
“We also apologise to those members, fans and community who feel guilt and shame as a result of the systemic racism that has occurred within our organisation. To all the young people who dream about one day pulling on the black and white stripes, we pledge as athletes to continue to help create a club that allows ALL of us to thrive, regardless of race.”
The club said the letter was also endorsed and “supported fully” by its 120 staff members.
Eddie McGuire, the Collingwood president, was forced to apologise earlier in the week after he said the release of the report on Monday was “a proud day” for the club.
“I said it was a proud day for Collingwood and I shouldn’t have,” McGuire said at the club’s AGM on Tuesday. “I did not mean we’re proud of past incidents of racism and the hurt that has caused. It’s been interpreted widely that way and I regret that deeply.”
McGuire said his comments on Monday were made “under the pressure of the day” and the focus on his choice of words had distracted from the report’s findings.
The club’s president did not use the word “sorry” during his opening remarks of the near-hour-long press conference, which was hastily called after the report was leaked on Monday.
Lumumba told Guardian Australia earlier this week that Collingwood’s response to the report was “shameful”.