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### Collingwood to Fight Fresh Racism Allegations by Former Head of First Nations Strategy
In a dramatic turn of events, Collingwood Football Club is preparing to address new and serious allegations of racism brought forward by their former head of First Nations strategy, Mark Cleaver. The allegations, which include claims of racist slurs and physical assault by Collingwood’s CEO, Craig Kelly, have sparked significant controversy and attention.
#### The Allegations
Mark Cleaver, a palawa person and former leader of Collingwood’s First Nations strategy, has formally accused Craig Kelly of making a series of racist comments and assaulting him. Cleaver filed legal documents on Monday with the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, outlining his grievances against the AFL club and its chief executive.
According to reports from the Herald Sun, the allegations center around a particular incident where Cleaver claims Kelly made derogatory remarks during a discussion about the establishment of a First Nations cultural room. During the conversation, Kelly allegedly picked up a marngrook from the desk and stated, “I don’t give a f*** what you put in there, put this shit in there,” before throwing the ball at Cleaver.
#### Collingwood’s Response
Collingwood Football Club has announced their intention to vigorously contest these allegations. The club has expressed their commitment to addressing and resolving the issue thoroughly. A spokesperson for Collingwood stated, “We take these allegations very seriously and are dedicated to ensuring a comprehensive investigation. Our priority is to uphold our values of respect and inclusivity, and we will address these claims with the utmost attention.”
#### The Broader Impact
These allegations come at a time when discussions around racism and inclusivity in Australian sports are particularly prominent. Collingwood, as a leading AFL club, has been under scrutiny for its handling of diversity and inclusion issues. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the club’s reputation and its efforts to foster a more inclusive environment.
The legal proceedings are expected to shed light on the specifics of the allegations and the actions taken by both parties. As the case unfolds, it will likely continue to draw attention from media, supporters, and advocacy groups.
#### Moving Forward
As Collingwood prepares to defend itself against these serious claims, the focus will be on ensuring transparency and fairness throughout the legal process. The club’s response will be crucial in determining the future of their First Nations strategy and their overall approach to addressing issues of racism and discrimination.
The outcome of this case will not only impact Collingwood but also contribute to the broader conversation about racism and equality in Australian sport. As such, all eyes will be on the unfolding developments, with many hoping for a resolution that upholds justice and promotes positive change.
In conclusion, Collingwood’s battle against these fresh allegations marks a significant moment for both the club and the AFL community. The allegations made by Mark Cleaver will be rigorously examined, and the process will be closely watched by those invested in creating a more equitable and inclusive sporting environment.
