Former Magpie takes aim at premiership players over Lumumba

After his initial thread, McNamara tweeted: “I need to clarify something. In my attempt to make a point of their tight bond. I said Nick called his dog Ralph, solely after Heritier’s middle name. Although he did joke that he did it for that reason, HIS WIFE NAMED IT RALPH.”

McNamara had earlier questioned why Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley had denied there was a culture of racism at the club and called on current skipper Scott Pendlebury – who also played in the 2010 premiership team – to take the opportunity the Do Better report provided to lead the club into a new era.

His claims came a fortnight after the report became public and after the club had committed to implementing the 18 recommendations contained in the report.

The Magpies announced they had appointed a 12-person expert panel on anti-racism on Wednesday to advise the board on how to deal better with the issue and to appoint a strategic advisor.

McNamara, who lives in the United States, was one of the first players to go on the record confirming that the nickname ‘Chimp’ was used at the club to refer to Lumumba and he has spoken about his shock that a player would be given that nickname.

McNamara has previously admitted he did not question or challenge the nickname at the time.

He said in his Twitter thread that he could no longer “bite his tongue” at what had occurred at the club.

“There are a few people I need to acknowledge, for not doing the right thing in speaking up back then and now. You need to know how much your silence on the issue has exacerbated the pain of Heritier & those affected by this the community,” McNamara wrote on Twitter.

“This isn’t about destroying the club – this is about making sure this is the last time anyone at CFC experiences what he did + in society,” McNamara added in a lengthy twitter thread.

The Age has contacted Collingwood and the former players accused in the tweet for comment. All have declined to comment.

With regard to Ball, McNamara tweeted: “I know you were very close with Heritier in and outside of the club. You knew what he went through and you chose to stay silent when you could have validated his experience. Your self-preservation is really disappointing.”

Addressing Maxwell, who lived with Lumumba. “Your silence in choosing your self-preservation with the club is really disappointing.

“… Coach Buckley, You tried to publicly deny this for several years … Why are you hiding now?

Are you still being all that you can be?”

“Eddie McGuire, You’ve made yourself and the club what it is – a massive success. With that, takes great pressure and responsibilities. It’s unfortunate that you fumbled a lot of chances to get it right and take the right path.”

“Scott Pendlebury, This is your moment to lead, brother. The last time I saw you, I gave you two leadership books. After your 400+ games, you will be the next CFC coach. In my eyes, your culture starts now – Let’s go!”