Collingwood CEO Craig Kelly Settles Wrongful Dismissal Case Amid Serious Allegations.
Collingwood Football Club CEO Craig
Kelly has reached an out-of-court
settlement with former employee Mark
Cleaver, who filed a wrongful dismissal
claim accusing Kelly of racial slurs and
physical assault. The allegations, which
have rocked the club’s leadership, were
reportedly settled on Monday, according
to *The Herald Sun*.
In a joint statement released by the club
and Cleaver, the parties announced the
resolution of legal proceedings but
emphasized their intention to remain
silent on further details. “It is requested
that Mark’s privacy be respected, and the
parties have agreed not to make any
further statements,” the statement read.
Allegations of Racism and Misconduct.
The claims against Kelly date back to
July, when Cleaver accused the
Collingwood CEO of making derogatory
comments about Indigenous Australians
and other racially charged remarks.
Among the allegations were jokes about
creating a “culture room” for Indigenous
players, referencing the placement of a
“live f—ing possum” in the space.
Cleaver also claimed that Kelly directed a
racial slur toward Aboriginal elder Aunty
Carol, referring to her as a “dumb old
bitch.” This incident allegedly strained
Collingwood’s partnership with Dardi
Munwurro, an Indigenous organization
that had collaborated with the club since
2017.
The claims extended to a joke Kelly
reportedly made about sending a photo
of a “Free Palestine” sign to a Jewish
colleague, further intensifying the
accusations of inappropriate and
insensitive behavior.
Financial Settlement and Fallout.
Cleaver initially demanded at least
$250,000 to settle his claim, but
negotiations led to an offer of
approximately $20,000 from the club, as
reported by *The Herald Sun*. The exact
terms of the settlement remain
confidential.
The allegations and subsequent
settlement have raised serious concerns
about the culture within one of
Australia’s most high-profile sports
organizations. The fallout has already
seen partnerships dissolve, including the
end of Collingwood’s association with
Dardi Munwurro.
Broader Implications for Collingwood.
This latest controversy follows a string of
cultural and racial issues that have
plagued the Collingwood Football Club in
recent years. The club previously faced
scrutiny over its response to the “Do
Better” report, which detailed systemic
racism within the organization.
The settlement with Cleaver, while
bringing an end to this specific legal
battle, raises broader questions about
accountability and leadership within
Collingwood. Kelly’s ability to lead the
club through these turbulent times will
undoubtedly remain under the spotlight
as the fallout continues.
As Collingwood attempts to move
forward, the club faces mounting
pressure to address its cultural
challenges and ensure incidents like
these are not repeated.
