Collingwood has issued an apology to Sydney's Lance Franklin after he was routinely booed by members of the crowd during Sunday's match at the MCG.
Co-signed by captain Darcy Moore, coach Craig McRae and chief executive Craig Kelly said the club "does not support booing, particularly champions of the game".
"Yesterday was the first time we played the Swans at the MCG in a decade – it provided an opportunity to respect a champion of the game and we fell short," the statement read.
"Buddy is a great of Australian Football – what he has achieved on the field over a long period of time demands a high level of respect.
"To our members and supporters, we are on an exciting journey at Collingwood and we do not take for granted the unwavering support you provide us with at every game – home or away. Our fans turn up like no other – you're our 19th player – you're loud, you're passionate, you're emotional.
"We hope the next time we get the chance to witness a champion of the game we treat them with respect, the same respect we ask for when it comes to our players and our champions."
The statement followed widespread criticism of the booing throughout the day and preceded a statement from the Swans, expressing their own disappointment.
"The Sydney Swans are extremely disappointed by the repeated booing of Lance Franklin in Sunday's match at the MCG," the Swans statement read.
"Lance is a champion and his contribution to the AFL should be celebrated and respected.
"Fans are the lifeblood of our game and have the right to cheer loudly at the football.
"But booing isn't a right – it's offensive – and players should not be subjected to it in their workplace.
"We have been here before and sadly it seems some people have not learned from the past."
AFL chief executive released his own statement on Monday afternoon referencing the booing of Franklin and of young Port Adelaide recruit Jason Horne-Francis.
"Lance Franklin is not only one of the greatest Australian Rules football players of all-time but a generational athlete who has, and continues to captivate the nation with his skill, his ability, and his leadership," McLachlan said.
"All players have the right to be treated respectfully on-field. We want everyone to go to a game and express themselves, the passion for the contest and the voice of the crowd is what sets our competition apart, however we don't accept excessive booing as part of our game.
"Jason Horne-Francis is an emerging star of our game, Lance Franklin is an all-time great. Our view applies equally to both. In fact, no player should be targeted in that way.
"We should never take the champions for granted. Players like 'Buddy' are the best of our game and regardless of who you barrack for we should continue to celebrate all the champions accordingly."
Earlier, former Collingwood coach and club legend Nathan Buckley said he hoped the Magpies crowd would do better in future.
"I love the Collingwood faithful, but I've got a message," Buckley told SEN.
"Your team is the toast of the town, and they're handling themselves on and off the field with class and poise.
"So, let's try and fall into line on the other side of the fence.
"At best, it was a begrudging acknowledgement of the sustained brilliance Franklin has brought against Collingwood, and at worst, it's ignorance and bigotry."
