AFL fans have reacted with anger to a letter sent by Collingwood to the football club\u2019s members and supporters.<\/p>\n
A social media storm erupted on Thursday when one social media user shared a photo on X of a hard copy letter posted from the AFL powerhouse to one of the club\u2019s members. <\/p>\n
The letter contained details of the club\u2019s \u201cbequests\u201d process where supporters are encouraged to \u201cleave a gift of their Will to the Collingwood Football Club\u201d. <\/p>\n
A photo of a letter one social media user says was mailed to his mum has gone viral in footy circles. <\/p>\n
The Collingwood Football Club has confirmed to news.com.au the letter pictured is legitimate.<\/p>\n
It is understood the letter was only sent to members over the age of 50.<\/p>\n
It is the first time the club has launched a \u201cbequests\u201d process. Collingwood is not the first Australian sporting organisation to launch such an operation and the majority of AFL clubs have similar processes in place. <\/p>\n
The photo of the letter shows the club has messaged supporters with instructions on amending existing wills.<\/p>\n
The club has further details about its \u201cbequests\u201d program on its official website.<\/p>\n
The letter was headlined: \u201cYes! I will Stand Side by Side forever\u201d. <\/p>\n
The letter reads: \u201cBy joining side by sign forever with a gift in your will, you can leave a lasting mark on the club you love. <\/p>\n
\u201cYour support helps ensure every Magpie \u2014 past, present and future \u2014 stands together in strength, spirit and unity\u201d. <\/p>\n
Another part of the letter posted includes the note: \u201cIf you already have a will, it\u2019s easy to make changes so your legacy can include Collingwood\u201d. <\/p>\n
The social media user that first shared the letter has been contacted by news.com.au. <\/p>\n
The user posted the photo while writing: \u201cUm. My mum got this today. Are they serious? How much money do they need?\u201d<\/p>\n
In another post, the user wrote: \u201cWe do a lot of good stuff but sending my 78 year old Mum this when she is battling a bit is pretty s***. And I will be letting them know. Dont worry. <\/p>\n
\u201cThey tried to take her reserved seat back last year \u2014 now they want to be in her will. A***holes\u201d<\/p>\n
He responded to another X user by wrting: \u201cMum binned it. Disgusting.\u201d<\/p>\n
One person who saw the post wrote: \u201cI find myself actually disliking this club sometimes over the last couple of years. Their obsession with money is vile\u201d.<\/p>\n
The post has been viewed more than 120,00 times as of Thursday afternoon.<\/p>\n
Former AFL player turned media personality Daniel Gorringe took aim at the club, posting on his Dan Does Footy account.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
In a statement provided to news.com.au, Collingwood CEO Craig Kelly offered up an apology to anybody who was upset at the letter.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe sincerely apologise to anyone who felt upset or uncomfortable receiving this communication \u2013 particularly supporters currently navigating difficult circumstances,\u201d Kelly said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur intention was to offer members the option to consider a legacy gift if they wish \u2013 something that is commonplace across many AFL clubs and organisations.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bizarrely it wasn\u2019t just social media users sharing the image with other Australian sporting clubs joining in. <\/p>\n
BBL franchise Melbourne Stars posted: \u201cWe\u2019ll accept gifts from our alive fans. Would love a Sammy Harper jersey if anyone\u2019s got one\u201d. <\/p>\n
The Tasmania Devils\u2019 official X account also shared the image while making a joke about the 19th club\u2019s own membership process and included a link to the club\u2019s membership page. That post has now been deleted.<\/p>\n