The Geelong Football Club has issued an apology after controversial Mad Monday costumes and social media posts prompted criticism from the AFL and the wider football community.<\/p>\n
Players attended the traditional end-of-season celebration in themed dress-ups, but several choices quickly sparked backlash online and among commentators. Some costumes and comments were widely viewed as inappropriate, drawing calls for the club to respond.<\/p>\n
AFL general manager Greg Swann said the league was \u201cnot thrilled\u201d by the behaviour and had directed Geelong to address the issue.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have spoken to Geelong and had a chat to (CEO) Steve Hocking, they\u2019re actually dealing with it,\u201d Mr Swann said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re not thrilled with what happened and nor are Geelong, so they\u2019re going to take some steps.\u201d<\/p>\n
On Wednesday night, the Cats released a statement confirming future end-of-season events would not continue in their current form.<\/p>\n
\u201cGeelong Football Club sincerely apologises for the offence caused following our end of season gathering,\u201d the statement read.<\/p>\n
\u201cCertain costumes and associated social media posts were inappropriate and a significant error of judgment, and do not reflect our Team of All commitment.\u201d<\/p>\n
The club said it would take the opportunity to educate players and staff on community standards and expectations.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Geelong Football Club has issued an apology after controversial Mad Monday costumes and social media posts prompted criticism from the AFL and the wider football community. Players attended the traditional end-of-season celebration in themed dress-ups, but several choices quickly sparked backlash online and among commentators. Some costumes and comments were widely viewed as inappropriate, […]<\/p>\n