'Too late': AFL world reacts to shock Eddie McGuire announcement
The AFL world and broader community have reacted to Eddie McGuire’s shock announcement he has stood down from his role as Collingwood president effective immediately.
On Tuesday afternoon, McGuire announced he will end his role as president of the club after 23 years.
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“I try my best, and I don’t always get it right,” McGuire said during the press conference.
McGuire later broke down after claiming: “I love my memories of Victoria Park. For the first time in my life I felt part of a community.”
But the end of his tenure comes off the back of his latest controversy.
McGuire, who was set to walk away as the club's leader at year's end, fronted the media last week to speak about the findings of "systemic racism" at the club.
McGuire copped widespread backlash after describing it as a "proud day" for the club.
He later backtracked on his comments, admitting he "was wrong" at a Collingwood annual general meeting on Tuesday night.
Many called for his immediate resignation after the press conference.
But after his announcement on Tuesday evening, many were quick to call for ‘change’ with McGuire gone.
Plenty still felt McGuire’s resignation was years too late after a number of controversies.
Good. But too late.
Justice delayed is justice denied, and Collingwood players of colour have been denied justice for decades.
It shouldn't have taken this long. https://t.co/KtRlqu0CVo— Adam Bandt (@AdamBandt) February 9, 2021
Is this the first time Eddie McGuire has ever faced a consequence? And maybe, just maybe, if he’d been pulled up for one of his other horrendous and repeated ‘gaffes’ and systemic awfulness, it would never have gotten to this point?
— Amy Remeikis (@AmyRemeikis) February 9, 2021
"I've become a lightning rod for vitriol," Eddie McGuire says, his voice breaking.
Try being a person of colour or First Nations Australian.
Honestly.— Shalailah Medhora (@shalailah) February 9, 2021
Eddie McGuire...sadly unable to phone a friend #TheWeekly
— Charlie Pickering (@charliepick) February 3, 2021
Eddie McGuire gone from Collingwood.
Needed to happen a long time ago. Change is needed immediately - and wouldn’t have been possible with him still there— Jeremy Story Carter (@jstorycarter) February 9, 2021
Very excited not to have cameras cut to Eddie McGuire every 2 minutes during a Collingwood match now. https://t.co/tYnP1SsZzA
— Jessica Dunne (@JessicaTeneal) February 9, 2021
Instead of rain sounds tonight, I’m going to play the reports about Eddie McGuire stepping down
— anna s-r (@annaspargoryan) February 9, 2021
Eddie McGuire has stepped down as Collingwood president. Probably a couple of years to late on my opinion. https://t.co/6NBSVGewwV
— Skullfist (@skullfist1) February 9, 2021
Eddie McGuire steps down as president of Collingwood FC. I find myself asking why now, and why not 5 years ago?
— Cate (@FlameThrower171) February 9, 2021
A proud day#eddiemcguire
— Darren Collins (@DarrenCollins__) February 9, 2021
Many wished McGuire the best after more than 23 years at the helm of Collingwood.
Magnificent Eddie.
Bravo.
That’s a farewell speech.
The good always far far far outweighed the bad.
An amazing career. #Respect. @CollingwoodFC— Basil Zempilas (@BasilZempilas) February 9, 2021
Eddie McGuire. Thank you for your service to our great club. You saved @CollingwoodFC - for 20 + years you have been a loyal mainstay and the supporters will never forget your huge contributions. #sidebyside
— W.B. (@Belly035) February 9, 2021
Fallout from McGuire’s press conference
Last week, many disgusted observers noted that McGuire never once used the term 'sorry' throughout the entirety of the press conference, which last more than one hour.
On Thursday in an open letter on behalf of "150 footballers and netballers" at the club, Collingwood went some way to rectifying the situation.
"Sorry. As athletes we are sorry to anyone who, through their association with our club, has been marginalised, hurt or discriminated against due to their race," the letter read.
"Through our silence we feel responsible for these injustices. We acknowledge it is not enough to simply show support for the principles of anti-racism and inclusion. We will confront the history of our club in order to learn, heal and determine how best to walk forward together.
"Over the last 72 hours we have had the opportunity to digest the DO BETTER report. We also apologise to those members, fans and community who feel guilt and shame as a result of the systemic racism that has occurred within our organisation.
"To all the young people who dream about one day pulling on the black and white stripes, we pledge as athletes to continue to help create a club that allows ALL of us to thrive, regardless of race.
"Faithfully. This letter is endorsed and supported fully by the 120 staff of Collingwood."
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