South Melbourne FC has apologised to Aboriginal elder Uncle Colin Hunter Junior Junior and the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people after jeering interrupted a Welcome to Country at Saturday night’s Hahn Australia Cup Final.
In a statement published on October 12, the club said it was “deeply disappointed” by the behaviour during the ceremony, which took place before the final between South Melbourne and Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park.
“The Welcome to Country is a significant moment of respect, and Uncle Colin deserved to be heard,” the club said.
South Melbourne apologised directly to Uncle Colin and the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people, thanking them for welcoming those attending the match onto their traditional Country.
The club also stressed that the incident did not represent its values or the wider supporter base.
“South Melbourne has a proud history as a club built by community, and respect for all communities, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, is fundamental to who we are,” the statement said.
“This behaviour does not reflect our club or the vast majority of our supporters.”
South Melbourne confirmed it would work with Football Australia and Melbourne Park as part of a review into the incident.
The statement follows a high-profile Australia Cup Final at AAMI Park, where South Melbourne faced Melbourne Victory in front of a record crowd of 29,911.
The incident has drawn attention to the Welcome to Country ceremony and the importance of ensuring cultural representatives can deliver their welcomes with respect during major sporting events.
South Melbourne’s statement did not identify those responsible for the jeering or detail any potential disciplinary action.
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