Collingwood apologizes to Indigenous AFL stars 30 years after horrific racist abuse

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Three decades after Indigenous legends Nicky Winmar and Gilbert McAdam suffered horrific racial abuse, Collingwood has issued a formal apology.

It’s been 30 years since Winmar took a stand against the racial abuse he and McAdam committed in Victoria Park on April 17, 1993.

Collingwood and St Kilda lined up against each other again in the AFL Gather Round, and unlike many years ago the teams lined up in unison.

In 1993, the Saints beat the game winners by 22 points, but it was Winmar’s signature action after the full-time mermaid that will be forever remembered.

The 57-year-old, now 57, lifted his guernsey and pointed his skin in defiance against Collingwood supporters at the time.

It is a moment that has been immortalized as an important moment for sport and the fight against discrimination in the country.

Fast forward 30 years and both clubs have raced under the same banner in a united stance against racism.

Collingwood Football Club also released a statement, formally apologizing to Winmar for their fans’ actions that day.

The club statement said; “Collingwood Football Club acknowledges that it has been 30 years since Nicky Winmar lifted his sweater to say ‘I am black and proud’ after he and team-mate Gilbert McAdam suffered racist abuse at Victoria Park.”

Continuing: “Collingwood Football Club understands that racism is harmful and has no place in our game and apologizes to Nicky Winmar and Gilbert McAdam for the injury they suffered while playing football.

“It takes courage to stand up to racism and when First Nations people do that, it’s our chance – all Australians – to listen, learn and change for the better.”

The club also apologized for comments made by then-president Allan McAlister, who said he had no problem with Aboriginal people “as long as they behave like white people”.

The statement read: “Collingwood also apologizes for the appalling comments made by its most senior official in the days following this game.

“It is important for us to look back and reflect on the mistakes we made and we will continue to listen and learn as we progress at our club.”

Winmar was present for the symbolic match at the weekend, tossing the coin before Collingwood presented the St Kilda players with ceremonial arms.

The Magpies were victorious on this occasion winning 70-64 in a close affair.

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