Collingwood slam footy fan who called one player a ‘chimp’ and another an ‘American spastic’ as the AFL is caught in another racism storm
- The Collingwood Magpies have condemned a Tweet about two of their AFL stars
- CEO Mark Anderson confirmed that the author was not a Collingwood member
- The club said the post contained racist remarks and abuse towards two players
Collingwood have spoken out against a footy fan who posted racist remarks online, calling one player a ‘chimp’ and another an ‘American spastic’.
The AFL club said the post contained racial vilification of veteran player 32-year-old Travis Varcoe and abuse aimed at American 2015 draft pick Mason Cox.
Both of the players were attacked during Friday night’s AFL game between, in which Collingwood lost to Essendon by 15 points.
The Magpies said the author of the post is not a Collingwood member and chief executive Mark Anderson said authorities may be alerted about the matter.
Collingwood said the offensive Tweet direct abuse at the club’s American import Mason Cox (pictured with friend)
Verteran forward for Collingwood Travis Varcoe was targeted with a racist comment in the Tweet
‘The ignorance and prejudice in the comments is simply appalling,’ Anderson 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.’
Mason Cox, 29, said responded to the post on Twitter on Saturday.
‘I’m happy to take criticism. Not the first, won’t be the last but to say this about a brother is disgraceful. Look around you. There is no excuse. Listen, learn, and be better. Educate yourself because this is not OK.’
The offensive Tweet posted during Collingwood’s 15-point loss to Essendon in Friday’s AFL fixture
Collingwood AFL club issued a statement on Saturday saying the author of the offensive post was not a member of the club
Other commenters agreed saying that there was no excuse for the remarks.
‘Keep calling this out,’ one person said.
‘Can’t believe this is still happening. Sport brings out the best in many people and unfortunately sometimes the worst in a few,’ another said.
‘Well done Collingwood, from an Essendon supporter,’ added a third.
The Magpies have called for anyone involved in the online conversation and with more information to contact the club.
Travis Varco (pictured centre) previously played for Geelong for eight years before moving to Collingwood in 2015
One person commented that they could not believe people were still making racist comments in 2020