Abused... Gold Coast Suns' Joel Wilkinson. Credit:Paul Rovere

Collingwood received a large number of emails and telephone calls from supporters who were "deeply offended" by the comments, and were then able to identify the culprit.

Collingwood and the AFL said the offending member took full responsibility for his comments and actions and has agreed to write letters of apology to those directly affected.

Collingwood Football Club CEO, Gary Pert said: "On behalf of the entire Collingwood Football Club I want to publically apologise to Joel for what he experienced during the match against Collingwood on Sunday evening.



"It is important that Joel knows that the behaviour of one Collingwood supporter is not a reflection of the views of the broader Collingwood community. I hope Joel is heartened by the strong leadership position that Dale Thomas took, which was supported by the crowd that witnessed the incident and then, ultimately, the football club itself."

The offending spectator agreed to a settlement in which he will write letters of apology to Joel Wilkinson, the Gold Coast Suns and Collingwood, including those Collingwood members and supporters who were similarly offended by the incident.



His club membership of 20 years standing was immediately terminated, and his reapplication for membership of the club will only be considered after he undertakes a racial vilification re-education program.



AFL General Manager of Football Operations Adrian Anderson commended the courage of Joel Wilkinson in standing up against racial abuse and the actions of Dale Thomas and those Collingwood fans.



"The decisive response from Dale Thomas and the Collingwood supporters to this disappointing but isolated incident is incredibly impressive and demonstrates how far we have come as a sporting code," Mr Anderson said.



"All AFL players deserve and expect the right to compete as hard as they possibly can on the field, free from any form of abuse or harassment.