Dear members and supporters,

I would like to offer my sincerest apologies to the entire Collingwood family, particularly to our indigenous and ethnic supporter groups for the comments I made about Adam Goodes today. Regardless of my intentions, I acknowledge that the comments referring to Adam were offensive and for that I am truly sorry.

What I said today was the opposite of what was in my mind at the time. It was thoughtless but absolutely said without malice.

In a week that has been dominated by our thoughts on Indigenous relations and racial vilification, the Collingwood Football Club and I have stood and will continue to stand absolutely against racism in all its forms and will continue to work actively in the area.

Adam Goodes has been a trailblazer for all indigenous footballers and his leadership has stood out like a beacon not only in the AFL but for the whole of Australia. I am grateful to Adam for graciously accepting my apology today.

We have worked tirelessly to build Collingwood into an institution that fans can be proud of and one others can admire for its commitment to equality and social justice.

I am proud of the leadership the club has assumed in promoting racial equality, of its multiple ethnic and indigenous programs and the impact that these have had on the countless people who have been involved.

Today I made a mistake that I absolutely regret. I am sad that my words have cast a shadow on this great club.

I will continue to work tirelessly in advancing the interests of our indigenous and ethnic communities and to ensure that the Collingwood Football Club remains a standard bearer for all to follow.

Eddie McGuire
President, Collingwood Football Club