The racist language used by football chief Scott Robertson is entirely unacceptable.
The administrator said he regretted using the phrase “n****r ” and so he should.
It is an appalling term, associated with slavery and vile crimes against millions of black people.
It is the ugliest of words and has been used to demean, dehumanise and oppress.
It carries such weight because we know the horror caused by the brutal enslavement of millions of Africans and the racism their ancestors have had to endure.
Robertson says he did not mean to cause offence and used a phrase familiar to him since his youth.
But regardless of his intent, this language has no place in our society.
Our choice of words matter and anyone who thinks such casual racism is acceptable has to rethink their world view.
Robertson’s comment was addressed to about 50 delegates – not to a mate in a pub.
His apology is welcome but it is not enough.
He should heed the calls to resign. His position is untenable.
