Collingwood issue apology to Nicky Winmar and Gilbert McAdam: Club marks 30 years since Victoria Park racism incident

Aidan Cellini

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Collingwood issue apology to Nicky Winmar and Gilbert McAdam: Club marks 30 years since Victoria Park racism incident image

Ahead of their round five Gather Round clash with St Kilda, Collingwood released a statement apologising to Nicky Winmar and Gilbert McAdam on the 30-year anniversary of the infamous racist incident at Victoria Park.

On April 17, 1993, Winmar took a stand against racism at the end of an AFL game between the Pies and Saints in response to racist abuse that he and teammate McAdam had received over the course of the match.

In defiance, Winmar lifted his shirt and pointed to his skin, saying "I'm black and I'm proud."

The statement read:

"The Collingwood Football club acknowledges it has been 30 years since Nicky Winmar lifted his jumper to say ‘I’m black and I'm proud’ after he and teammate Gilbert McAdam were racially abused at Victoria Park.

"Collingwood will play against St Kilda this afternoon and both clubs, together with the AFL, have worked together to ensure a respectful pre-game acknowledgement of the moment which took place on April 17, 1993.

"Today, at Collingwood, we do not shy away from ensuring that racism is addressed when we see it or hear it. 

"The Collingwood Football club understands that racism is harmful and has no place in our game and apologises to Nicky Winmar and to Gilbert McAdam for the hurt they experienced playing football. 

"It takes courage to stand against racism and when First Nations people do so, it is our opportunity – all Australians – to listen, learn and change for the better.

"Collingwood also apologises for the appalling comments made by its most senior official in the days following that game."

In 2020, Collingwood commissioned the Jumbunna Institute to conduct an external review of the club which resulted in the 'Do Better' report.

The report handed down 18 recommendations that challenged and confronted racism, taking action against it, to which the club has adopted into its practices.

In March 2022, the report shared the work Collingwood was doing to rectify these issues found throughout the investigation.

In the statement, the club realised that there is still work to be done in "eliminating racism" and believes that through "time, dedication and persistence", progress can be made.

"In recent weeks we have seen too many First Nations players racially vilified. There is still work to do. 

"Racism is never ok – it wasn’t then, and it isn’t now.

"To Nicky Winmar, to Gilbert McAdam, and to their families, we say sorry."

As a gesture from Collingwood and St Kilda, Winmar's salute was celebrated prior to the Sunday twilight match at Adelaide Oval.

The apology comes amid the ongoing instances of racial abuse current day players like Izak Rankine, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Nathan Wilson, Michael Walters and Charlie Cameron have experienced over the past month.

Ugle-Hagan took a stand of his own which has been likened to Winmar's 30 years ago.

Outgoing CEO Gillon McLachlan has publicly condemned the racist remarks made towards players, saying the AFL is working toward stamping it out.

"This has to stop. It not only hurts the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players targeted but all Indigenous players and players of colour across the league as well as their families, their team-mates and friends. We strongly support all our players and condemn the racial vilification of anyone in football and anyone in the wider community," McLachlan said.

"The AFL wants to make clear, there is no place in our game for anyone who vilifies our players.

"It has got no place in our game, it has got no place in our community, it's frankly just a disgrace, it's abhorrent.

"It causes so much hurt to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

"Frankly, I think it offends 99.99 per cent of all football followers, all Australians.

"We are taking the action we can. We work hard to track them down but we know they disappear.

"And I'm exasperated."

Aidan Cellini

Aidan Cellini Photo

Aidan has surrounded himself with all types of sport, but resonates most with AFL and basketball as he still plays both competitively. He loves being active and enjoys sharing sporting moments with friends and family.

In his spare time, Aidan likes to read biographies as well as keep active and healthy. He's also a big fan of Matthew McConaughey and Marvel movies.