North Melbourne has condemned racist comments made by a former listed player over the weekend.
The remarks, which were posted on social media, were in response to former Collingwood player Heritier Lumumba's criticism of the AFL's ongoing handling of racism and recent racist incidents within the game.
The unnamed player was signed to North's rookie list in 2012 before being delisted in 2014. He did not play a senior game for the side but did appear for North's affiliate VFL team.
6/ It’s time for Gillon McLachlan to stand down & for the AFL to be led by someone who has the credentials & vision to address the systemic issues it has. McLachlan is an individual whose family has inherited massive generational wealth from stolen land. He‘s beyond privileged.
— Héritier Lumumba (@iamlumumba) August 14, 2021
North Melbourne's CEO, Ben Amarfio, strongly condemned the actions of the former player in a statement released by the club and urged the league and community to continue to stand up against the issue.
“While our club is not responsible for a former listed player's disgraceful remarks, I nonetheless expressed our unreserved apology to Heritier,” Amarfio said.
“Racism is divisive and hurtful and we must strive to create a safer, more inclusive community. We must stop the cruelty and be kinder to one another.
The North Melbourne Football Club condemns a racist comment posted on social media at the weekend by a former North Melbourne listed player.
— North Melbourne (@NMFCOfficial) August 16, 2021
“The AFL and broader football community has stated time and time again that there is no place for racism in our game. Despite this, we continue to see racism raising its ugly head almost weekly. It has to stop.
“As a community we have to say enough is enough. We are all equal. We are one community and we should embrace all people regardless of race, religion, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, age, disability or colour."
The statement comes just a week after former Adelaide captain Taylor Walker was suspended for six matches after making racist comments towards Robbie Young during a SANFL match. The incident prompted Eddie Betts to make an emotional plea on AFL 360, calling for the community to take up the fight against racism.
"There is no room for racism in Australia."
Eddie Betts speaks after Taylor Walker incident.
Tune into #AFL360 on Ch 502 or stream on @kayosports pic.twitter.com/c4zhXPb5vS
— Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) August 10, 2021
North Melbourne have confirmed that the player in question will have their Past Players Association Membership revoked.
