A First Nations family violence service has ended its partnership with Collingwood, as the AFL club faces new allegations of racism.
The club is being sued by a former employee, according to court documents filed this week. The ex-staffer has accused Collingwood CEO Craig Kelly of physical assault and using racist slurs.
After investigating the matter in March, Collingwood claimed it found no evidence of wrongdoing. “The Club believes that it has acted lawfully and intends to defend the matter,” it said.
It comes after a 2021 inquiry found “systemic racism” within Collingwood FC.
Collingwood racism Allegations
The allegations against Craig Kelly were made by Collingwood’s former head of First Nations strategy, Mark Cleaver.
Cleaver, a Palawa person, was hired after a 2021 inquiry found “systemic racism” within Collingwood FC.
Court documents detail a series of alleged incidents where Kelly made racist and sexist slurs and jokes.
Kelly is also accused of physically assaulting Cleaver. The incident was reported to Victoria Police, who “determined not to take any further action,” according to Collingwood FC.
Response
A statement from the club said “in addition to” an internal review of Cleaver’s allegations, “an external expert was engaged to review the findings,” earlier this year.
“Both processes found no breach of workplace law,” it said.
Club President Jeff Browne defended his CEO, saying “I don’t think [Kelly] is the sort of person that would disrespect any other person. From my experience, he’s doing an outstanding job as CEO.”
Dardi Munwurro
First Nations family violence organisation Dardi Munwurro ended its partnership with Collingwood “effective immediately” on Friday.
Dardi Munwurro said the reports against the club left it “no choice but to terminate” its partnership with the AFL club.
“We are not passing judgment on any individual at the club or the club itself… we understand the media reports are based on unproven allegations that relate to an ongoing court case and we respect this process,” it said.
“The unfortunate public exposure of some of these allegations also calls on us to reiterate that Dardi Munwurro is a family violence service for the First Nations community… We are deeply committed to supporting all women to feel safe and respected in the community”
A statement from Dardi Munwurro after it ended its partnership with Collingwood Football Club.
