Hawthorn have released a statement apologising to Cyril Rioli and wife Shannyn, after the former great’s extraordinary revelation that saw him retire from the AFL at just 28.

Speaking with The Age’s Caroline Wilson, Rioli revealed a series of racist incidents across his time at the Hawks reached the ‘final straw’ following an incident at Launceston Airport in 2018 with controversial club president Jeff Kennett.

According to Shannyn, Kennett criticised her designer ripped jeans, and when challenged, offered her loose change in order to sew them up.

“I felt belittled and humiliated,” she told The Age.

“The club kept saying I was over-reacting, but they were portraying me as the angry black woman.

“They said later I had wanted to go home to Darwin for a while. That’s not right.”

Rioli stood by his wife, who said she often feels guilty about the circumstances that saw the beloved champion depart Hawthorn after four premierships and the 2015 Norm Smith Medal.

He claims the incident is only one of many during his time at the club, saying there was ‘a lot of gaslighting’ in his final years and expressing his desire to not return while Kennett remains in charge.

“I’d be up for helping clubs if they wanted me … Richmond or West Coast … but I wouldn’t go back to Hawthorn after what’s gone on,” Rioli said.

“It’s the only club I wouldn’t put my hand up for right now.”

Just as concerning are other racists incidents at the club reported by Rioli, including an incident on an end-of-season trip in 2013 where a racial slur was used to describe the partner of an Indigenous player.

Cyril Rioli (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)

“Bloody oath it was hard sometimes,” Rioli told The Age.

“Some things that happened to my teammates. The comments by coaches about the blackfellas all sitting together. The white fellas were always welcome to join us.

“I don’t think they [the club] really had any idea of what it was like for us, in reality.

“Seeing the way they treated Shan. It was the final straw. It opened my eyes seeing how distraught she was and defending her and seeing how they were to us.

“It just hurt so much and it hurt her. I just thought I don’t need to take that s—, so it was fight or flight and I said, ‘let’s get out of this s—storm’.”

Following the report, Hawthorn released a statement on Saturday afternoon apologising to the Riolis, and expressing their commitment to change.

“We are sorry that Cyril and Shannyn experienced these incidents during their time at the club,” the statement read.

“We are saddened these experiences have left them feeling the way they do. 

“Combating racism and educating everyone both within our own walls and in the community is something we are constantly working on and believe we are getting better at. But there is always more work to be done. 

“We are committed to reconciliation and ensuring our First Nations players are culturally safe and have a voice that is both listened to and acted upon. 

“At Hawthorn, all of our staff and players deserve to be respected.

“Our doors will always be open to Cyril and Shannyn.”