All athletes at the Collingwood Football Club have issued an apology to former teammates who were racially offended during their time at the club.

The letter was written by 150 AFL, AFLW and netballers of Collingwood and is in response to the independent "Do Better" report that was conducted on the club and found it to be guilty of “systemic racism”.

Magpies president Eddie McGuire held a press conference on Monday in response to the report, but failed to apologise to those who have suffered in the past in a move that was highly criticised.

Collingwood Magpies Press conference & Intra-Club Match
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 01: Collingwood President Eddie McGuire speaks to the media at Collingwood Magpies AFL press conference at the Glasshouse Event Space on February 01, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

The apology letter from all Collingwood athletes can be read below.

Sorry.

As athletes we are sorry to anyone who, through their association with our club, has been marginalised, hurt or discriminated against due to their race.

Through our silence we feel responsible for these injustices. We acknowledge it is not enough to simply show support for the principles of anti-racism and inclusion. We will confront the history of our club in order to learn, heal and determine how best to walk forward together.

Over the last 72 hours we have had the opportunity to digest the DO BETTER report. We also apologise to those members, fans and community who feel guilt and shame as a result of the systemic racism that has occurred within our organisation.

To all the young people who dream about one day pulling on the black and white stripes, we pledge as athletes to continue to help create a club that allows ALL of us to thrive, regardless of race.