Collingwood Magpies president Jeff Browne backs CEO Craig Kelly on racism allegations [Video]

In response to Browne’s comments, a Maurice Blackburn Lawyers spokesman said: “We deny that our client is dishonest, and those matters and the reason for the dismissal will be the subject of an upcoming hearing.”

Asked if he could “categorically” confirm that Kelly had not made the alleged comments, Browne said the matter would be tested in the courts.

“Well, you’ll find that those [claims] will be addressed in the defence in the legal proceedings,” he said.

Mediation talks between the two parties broke down, Browne said.

In the court documents, Cleaver says he was working on a project to open a cultural room when Kelly confronted him over the length of time it was taking. The pair discussed artefacts that would go on show before it’s alleged Kelly picked up a marngrook (a ball made of possum hair) and “forcefully threw it at” Cleaver.

“I don’t give a f— …