Collingwood cheer squad given list of BANNED words that are never to be chanted during games

Collingwood’s cheer squad has been issued a list of banned words which are never to be uttered by supporters at AFL games featuring the Magpies.

The extraordinary step follows recent cultural awareness training for club members, where many terms deemed offensive and racist were clearly outlined.

The training was part of the club’s Do Better report, as Collingwood look to promote the importance of cultural difference to their fans.  

In the online Zoom presentation, run by Collingwood’s Indigenous programs manager Deb Lovett, specific reference to terms which are offensive to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were explained.

An example was the term ‘Aborigines’, which is deemed derogatory by many Indigenous people. 

‘The purpose for cultural awareness training is to ensure all people of Collingwood uphold the club values to provide a welcome and inclusive environment for all,’ the club said in a statement.

Many club members underwent recent cultural awareness training, where terms deemed offensive and racist were clearly outlined

‘Collingwood’s cheer squad all agreed and were open to having a code of conduct and all members signed a ‘Declaration of Commitment’ which states their obligation to uphold club values, to provide a welcome and inclusive environment, and exhibit appropriate behaviour on game days.’

The Do Better report, released by the Magpies on February 1 last year, is an independent review that challenges Collingwood to take a leadership position in Australian sport by confronting racism.

It was released after a number of former players, notably Brazilian-born defender Heritier Lumumba, publicly accused the club of systemic racism stemming from his time with the team from 2005-2014.

His allegations were dismissed by influential club figures such as former coach Mick Malthouse and McGuire – but were confirmed by his ex-teammates such as Chris Dawes and Leon Davis. 

Collingwood said the cultural awareness training had been part of a wider attitude to learning more about race (pictured, club veteran Steele Sidebottom)

Brazilian-born defender Heritier Lumumba publicly accused the club of systemic racism stemming from his time with the team from 2005 to 2014

On Tuesday, Lumumba bristled at talk of the cultural awareness training sessions, stating the club ‘cannot be trusted to pursue genuine reconciliation with its past’ before accusing the club of ‘continued misconduct’.

Collingwood said the cultural awareness training had been part of a wider attitude to learning more about race.

‘Feedback of cultural awareness training has been positive with members of the club enthusiastic to educate themselves further and be a part of the club’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community programs and initiatives.’

‘Our people have been open to listening and learning about how we create a welcoming and safe club environment for all,’ the Pies said in a statement.