Collingwood has issued a statement condemning the racist abuse directed at Travis Varcoe following Friday night's 63-48 defeat to Essendon.
Varcoe and Mason Cox were both subjected to abuse online, with Cox calling it out on Twitter on Saturday morning.
“I’m happy to take criticism. Not the first, won’t be the last but to say this about a brother is disgraceful,” Cox Tweeted alongside a screenshot of the abuse.
“Look around you. There is no excuse. Listen, learn, and be better. Educate yourself because this is not ok.”
I’m happy to take criticism. Not the first, won’t be the last but to say this about a brother is disgraceful.
— Mason Cox (@masonsixtencox) July 4, 2020
Look around you. There is no excuse. Listen, learn, and be better. Educate yourself because this is not ok. pic.twitter.com/LQVPiYyjuw
Collingwood released a statement on Saturday afternoon.
"Collingwood Football Club condemns in the strongest possible terms the racial vilification of Travis Varcoe and abuse of Mason Cox on social media during last night’s match against Essendon," the release said.
"The club has established that the author of an offensive social media post is not a member of Collingwood.
"Offensive posts or comments in the past have resulted in the suspension or cancelation of memberships and an insistence on education and mediation before memberships can be reinstated.
"The club asks for anyone involved in last night’s online conversation or who has details regarding the post or conversation to contact the club.
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"If possible the matter will be handed to authorities."
Collingwood chief executive Mark Anderson said the club stands by Varcoe and Cox.
"The ignorance and prejudice in the comments is simply appalling," he said.
“Today, the football community willingly accepts that we have an obligation to put a stop to abuse of our people.
"I do not understand how such comments continue to be made.
“We stand with Travis and Mason and against vilification of this or any other variety and will do whatever we can to call these individuals to account.”
