Collingwood says it has been in contact with the AFL integrity unit and Port Adelaide after Power forward Willie Rioli was sent “multiple racist messages” following the game between the two clubs on Saturday night.
The Magpies and Power sit in first and second place on the ladder and played out a classic game which was decided by a late Jamie Elliott goal.
Rioli kicked a goal and had 15 possessions while also receiving the messages which were condemned by the Magpies.
Willie Rioli competes with Jack Crisp for the ball during Saturday’s match.Credit:
The messages were sent to Rioli’s Instagram account which is set to private, Rioli sent a snapchat with several of the vile messages with the comment “Smart guys” on the post.
“The Collingwood Football Club strongly condemns the abhorrent and disgusting racist remarks directed towards Willie Rioli,” Magpies chief executive Craig Kelly said in a statement issued late at night.
“There is no room for racism in our game and we will not tolerate it – not on the field, off the field or online.
“All of us have a responsibility to call out this behaviour and our Club is committed to playing a role in educating as many members of the wider community as possible.
“We stand alongside all First Nations players, staff and supporters.”
The Magpies said they had contacted by the integrity unit and the Power and would provide an update when they were in position to do so.
