Collingwood issue apology to Indigenous AFL stars 30 years after horrific racist abuse

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

It was 30 years since Winmar took a stance against the racial abuse he and McAdam copped at Victoria Park on April 17, 1993.

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

Back in 1993, the Saints ran out winners of the match by 22 points, but it is Winmar’s iconic action after the full-time siren that will be forever remembered.

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

It’s a moment that has been immortalised as an important one for both the sport and anti-discrimination in the country.

Fast forward 30 years and the two clubs ran through the same banner in a united stand against racism.

The Collingwood Football Club also issued a statement, formally apologising to Winmar for the actions of their fans on that day.

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

Continuing: “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."

The club also apologised for comments made by their President at the time, Allan McAlister, who said he didn't have a problem with Aboriginal people ‘as long as they conduct themselves like white people’.

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

“To go back and reflect on where we got things wrong is important to us and we will continue to listen and learn as we progress our Club.”

Winmar was in attendance for the symbolic game on the weekend, tossing the coin before Collingwood presented the St Kilda players with ceremonial weapons.

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