Pies’ CEO slams Sydney over decision to move Round 1 clash to SCG

The Magpies have slammed the Sydney Swans over the decision to move its Round 1 clash from ANZ Stadium to the SCG.

Collingwood CEO Gary Pert told SEN Radio on Tuesday morning that the club is fuming over the last minute decision and the handling of the situation, with the Swans nor the AFL informing the Magpies of the change until it was made public on social media.

A few thousand Collingwood fans must now search for new accommodation, as do the players.

“I think it’s far more than a minor hiccup. It’s very unfortunate — not only what the Swans have done, but the way that they’re dealing with it,” Pert said on SEN.

“For the Swans to relocate without any communication is not only disrespectful, but unprofessional and inappropriate.

“It’s an indictment on the AFL and the Swans, the fact that we found out about it from social media. We’ll want answers and there’s no doubt we’ll want compensation. It’s Easter weekend, so there’s little accommodation (available).

“If it’s the most expensive accommodation in Sydney (that we have to book), that’ll be fine, and the AFL and Sydney Swans can foot the bill. I think it’d be 100 per cent guaranteed. The Sydney Swans have done this and inconvenienced everyone to make some extra money, so I would assume it’d come out of that payday for them.”

However, Sydney chairman Andrew Pridham, who spoke to SEN earlier on Monday morning, laughed off Collingwood's displeasure.

“I’m sure they’ll be fine,” he said.

“We’ve moved the game from Homebush to Moore Park — not to Newcastle. We’ve got perfectly good roads and I’m sure in 20 minutes or so, they’ll be there."