
Yarran ... one of Carlton's indigenous stars. Source: Michael Dodge / News Limited
Two Collingwood members face an indefinite ban over allegations they racially abused Carlton player Chris Yarran during Sunday's AFL blockbuster at the MCG.
It is claimed that one of the men called Yarran a "petrol sniffer" and the other said he was a "black ----" after he scored a goal.
Collingwood chief executive Gary Pert said the club had launched an investigation after receiving a formal complaint from a Magpie member that offensive language was used towards a Carlton player.
"We have been advised of the seat numbers of the two club members who allegedly racially vilified the Carlton player," Pert said.
"Several members of the crowd have claimed the language was highly offensive and we are now making contact with other members who may have been within earshot. I would encourage anyone who was at the game and witness to the alleged behaviour to contact the club.
"Our position on vilification is absolute. If the allegations are proven, memberships of the offenders will be cancelled indefinitely."
The Magpies have zero tolerance to racism and withdrew the membership of a 20-year-old who called Nigerian-born Gold Coast player Joel Wilkinson a "monkey" during a game at the MCG last July.
Magpie Dale Thomas pledged his support to Wilkinson as they walked off the ground and then lodged an official complaint.
Another Collingwood member, Ray Stewart, said he contacted the complaint line at the MCG on Sunday to report the racial abuse and, while MCC security staff and police spoke to a person, they did not ask him to leave the ground because it is understood they could not positively identify him.
Mr Stewart, who was with a group of friends and family, said the offending person always sat in the same reserved seat in an area set aside for Collingwood members at home games.
Mr Stewart said the man, aged about 50, was wearing football shorts, a T-shirt and thongs.
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