Eddie McGuire was spotted next to Peter Gordon during Collingwood’s clash with Western Bulldogs. Image: Channel 7
Eddie McGuire was on hand to watch Collingwood play their first game since his resignation as club president on Friday night, however it was more misery for the 56-year-old.
McGuire was spotted sitting in the stands at the MCG next to former Western Bulldogs president Peter Gordon.
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It marked Collingwood’s first game since McGuire stepped down as club president following widespread backlash to his response to a finding of ‘systemic racism’ at the Magpies.
The 56-year-old was heavily criticised for describing the findings as a “historic and proud day” for Collingwood, falling on his sword a few days later as calls mounted for his resignation.
Speaking at a pre-game function on Friday night, the club’s interim co-president Mark Korda paid tribute to McGuire.
After 22 years, the person not standing here is Eddie McGuire, Korda said, according to the Herald Sun.
Eddie has a fantastic legacy at Collingwood, and we are proud of everything he did.
He is taking a bit of time off at the moment, and make no doubt during the year we will honour Eddie with the full colours, as you would expect.
He has had a pretty difficult time as the other board members would say, we didnt even know Eddie was going to resign on that Tuesday.
I personally believe that he made the decision to resign in the best interests of the club.
Speaking publicly for the first time since his resignation on Footy Classified on Wednesday night, McGuire said he’ll remain a Pies fan until he dies.
McGuire said he wouldn’t “rat” on his former colleagues after being asked by co-host Caroline Wilson if senior board members Paul Licuria and Peter Murphy had turned on him.
Im not answering any questions on that, he said. Im not on a witch hunt.
“The last thing Im ever going to be is a rat on people at the Collingwood Football Club.
Eddie McGuire and his family on their way to speak to the media before his resignation. (Photo by Mackenzie Sweetnam/Getty Images)
Im going to go and barrack for the Pies, Im a Pie till I die. I love the club and I love AFL football, and I want everything to do well.
Im not one of those people that walks away hoping there will be schadenfreude and everything falls on its head, quite the opposite.
McGuire watched on as Adam Treloar was unceremoniously jeered by Collingwood fans, before exacting some sweet revenge on the club that dumped him as the Bulldogs opened their season with a 16-point win.
The star midfielder had 18 disposals, five clearances and a cool hand in the Dogs’ hot start on Friday night, helping his new side snap a four-game losing streak against the Magpies.
Bailey Smith and Jack Macrae were also outstanding as the Bulldogs registered a 10.9 (69) to 7.11 (53) triumph in front of 46,051 fans.
with AAP
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