Statement by the President of the Carlton Football Club, Stephen Kernahan

Former Carlton President, John Elliott recently suggested that payments were made to women to keep them from going public in relation to alleged sexual misconduct of players during his term as President.

Mr Elliott resigned his Presidency in October 2002 and has had no official position with the Club since.

Since these allegations were made the Carlton Football Club has carried out a thorough investigation that has included discussions with relevant people who were involved with the Club during Mr Elliott’s presidency. As a result of these investigations the Carlton Football Club is not aware of the payments referred to by Mr Elliott.

“The allegations refer to a period prior to the current administration and as such we have addressed this matter with former administrators and officials of the Club and confirm that we have no knowledge of the allegations made by Mr Elliott,” said Carlton President, Stephen Kernahan.

Kernahan, who was captain of the Club between 1987 and 1997, said he was bewildered by the allegations and found Mr Elliott’s comments regarding the treatment of women as disgraceful.

“As far as we are aware there is no basis to John’s allegations so why he made them only he can say. We have noted that he has since publicly claimed to know nothing about these alleged payments.

“These comments and his ongoing behavour have impacted negatively on everyone who was associated with this Club during his time as President. Having then trivialized the matter is appalling and while he does not represent this Club there is no doubt he has disgraced the Carlton Football Club and in doing so slurred everyone connected with Carlton.

“We all have to take responsibility for our comments and actions and everyone at Carlton; members, supporters, officials, players, coaches, past players, indeed the entire Carlton family, have been insulted by John’s comments and actions.

“As a result, while John harbours such opinions he will not be welcome at the Club and he will not be permitted to attend any official Carlton Football Club functions.”

Kernahan added the Club, together with the AFL, has taken a strong stance on behavioural issues, in particular respecting women and supporting the important role women play in the AFL.

“The published Respect & Responsibility Policy and Players’ Personal Code of Conduct binds all participants’ behaviour,” Kernahan said.

“We have been proactive in forming and supporting the Women of Carlton as the official female supporter group of the Club. One of the formation and ongoing goals is to support and enhance the Carlton Football Club as an organisation where women feel welcome, valued and heard,” Kernahan added.

Carlton has conducted a thorough investigation into these allegations and has confirmed it has a clear policy on inappropriate behaviour – the relevant authority to deal with allegations of a criminal nature is the Victoria Police.