Former Collingwood player Andrew Krakouer says his former club was “culturally ignorant” in regards to belittling comments made towards Heritier Lumumba.
Lumumba revealed he was called a “chimp” throughout his Magpie days, something Krakouer confirmed occurred. However, the 2011 Mark of the Year winner says it wasn’t necessarily just a Collingwood issue.
“It was just a nickname…I don’t think the boys are racist, I think it was just culturally ignorant,” Krakouer told SEN Breakfast.
“I totally think it is culturally ignorant, there is no racism or maliciousness in it.”
“It’s a problem throughout society. Throughout my life, a common theme has unfortunately been racism. It isn’t just Collingwood, it is society in general. It’s everyone’s responsibility. Everyone needs to try and understand, and work together to be more educated around the issue.”
Krakouer also opened up about Eddie McGuire’s remarks on two-time Brownlow Medallist Adam Goodes. McGuire indicated Goodes should be featured to promote King Kong in 2013; something Krakouer has revealed influenced him deeply.
“I was really upset about the comments and what was said, and how it was handled at the time,” he said.
“I have a lot of respect for Eddie, he has done a lot of good things for me, but he made a mistake with what he said and he really hurt me.
“It isn’t about pointing fingers or putting anyone under the bus. It made me question, how am I looked at? Do people think that of me? I just felt like since that was said, I didn’t know if I should be there or not.
“I wasn’t in the right mindset to play footy, it was a really tough time for me.”