McGuire apologises to Pies, takes leave

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley says embattled president Eddie McGuire apologised to Magpies staff this week before departing on a planned overseas holiday.

McGuire's much-criticised on-air radio exchange regarding Fairfax journalist Caroline Wilson on the Queen's Birthday public holiday sparked a public outcry this week, forcing him and the club into damage control.

The club president and media personality issued a public apology on Monday for his role in the exchange that was widely viewed as bullying and slammed by anti-violence against women campaigners.

"We're a club that believes in respect for all ... Ed slipped up in that regard and he's apologised internally as well as externally for what he said," Buckley told reporters on Thursday.

"He hasn't presented to the playing group, he's overseas.

"But fundamentally as a football club we know exactly what we want to stand for and Ed understands that his actions and comments were not representative of the Collingwood footy club or of his own personal values, I would have thought, and has communicated as much."

Buckley said that while the club didn't condone McGuire's comments he would continue to receive the Pies' support.

"He's a proud man so he was disappointed with it," he said.

"He's been deeply affected by the fact that his comments have hurt (people), but he's been man enough to own up to that."