Collingwood CEO Craig Kelly has found himself in hot water following an alleged racism scandal at the club.
Kelly is accused of making racial slurs and engaging in physical assault, with a claim lodged by former Collingwood head of First Nations strategy Mark Cleaver in the Federal circuit and family court of Australia, according to Channel 9.
Cleaver was hired in November 2023 by the club to assist in its work regarding racism and quality at the Pies, joining the 'Do Better' program.
Kelly was alleged to make comments regarding a "culture room" at the club, insinuating Indigenous slurs as well as joking about sending a photograph of a ‘Free Palestine' sign to a Jewish colleague.
Maurice Blackburn Lawyer Daniel Victory urged the AFL to strip Collingwood of premiership points should the allegations be proven.
"The allegations in this case call into question whether the Collingwood Football Club has learned anything from its multiple self-inflicted racism scandals," Victory said in a statement to AAP.
"We are entitled to expect more from a club that has promised to do better.
"The conduct alleged in this case has no place in society or any sporting club and especially not in a league that holds itself out as an agent for social change.
"Football fans have a right to feel let down once again by the Collingwood Football Club.
"The AFL should consider penalising premiership points from clubs if allegations like this are proven."
Collingwood released a statement following the allegations, saying:
"Collingwood is aware of allegations made by a former staff member.
"Collingwood continues to work hard on our commitment of ensuring our environment and workplace is welcoming, safe and inclusive at all times, on and off the field.
"We take all matters raised seriously and when the former staff member raised matters internally in March this year, the Club looked into those concerns in line with our organisation's workplace policies and procedures.
"In addition to the internal process which took place, an external expert was engaged to review the findings. Both processes found no breach of workplace law.
"Following the conclusion of both processes, the former staff member made further allegations to Victoria Police, which examined them and determined not to take any further action.
"The former staff member was employed by Collingwood for a period of six months. The employment ended for reasons unrelated to their concerns. Following their departure, the former staff member lodged an application with the Fair Work Commission but the matter was not resolved.
"While it is unfortunate this situation has not been resolved, the Club believes that it has acted lawfully and intends to defend the matter."
The AFL has yet to comment.