Mark Cleaver accuses Collingwood boss Kelly of shocking racist slurs
- In July, Mark Cleaver, the former head of First Nations Strategy, made allegations against Kelly.
- An investigation by Collingwood concluded that no workplace laws were breached, and Kelly denied the accusations.
- The club is undergoing restructuring and has recently appointed Charlie Gardiner as the head of football.
In Australia, allegations of racism were directed at Collingwood Football Club's president Kelly by Mark Cleaver, the former head of First Nations Strategy, in July. Following an investigation, the club concluded that no workplace laws were breached and Kelly strongly denied the accusations. Since the allegations arose, Kelly has refrained from discussing them publicly, instead focusing on his work at the club. He acknowledged the support of Jeff Browne during this difficult time and expressed gratitude for the assistance he received through the turmoil, stating, 'I am going to miss Jeff (Browne) a lot.' The club's leadership is also under scrutiny as it undergoes significant management restructuring, particularly following the departure of former deputy chief executive Graham Wright to Carlton. Concerns arose regarding the club's delay in appointing Wright's successor and how this might affect its reputation amid the ongoing controversy involving Kelly. Meanwhile, Collingwood secured Charlie Gardiner from the Sydney Swans as their new head of football, a move Kelly praised as beneficial given Gardiner's experience and connection to a successful team. The management changes and allegations inevitably intertwine, presenting a challenging environment for the club moving forward as it seeks to navigate both its internal structures and external perceptions of its culture.