Only eight days after their finals hopes were ended by a 11-point loss to Sydney, the Magpies were embarassed by a Tigers outfit gearing up for a post-season campaign.
Speaking to 3AW post-game, Pendlebury candidly explained how he felt during the match but promised his side would improve next Friday night against Geelong.
"That was my first time playing in a game that didn't mean anything," Pendlebury said
"I know we're not playing for much in the last two weeks, but the boys want to turn up next Friday night and restore some pride."
Collingwood pumped the ball inside 50 11 more times than Richmond but conceded 32 scoring shots to 21.
"We just can't defend at the moment," Pendlebury said.
"Everyone knows Richmond is the real deal. They pulled our pants down."
Pendlebury's comments drew the ire of fans on social media, many believing that a captain should be showing better leadership.
Love Pendlebury as a captain but those comments hint at a very poor culture at Collingwood. You should have pride in performance every week
— Rohan CT (@RohanCT) August 22, 2015
If Pies fans thought today couldn't get worse, Pendlebury's comments on 3AW are salt in the wound.
— Riley Beveridge (@RileyBev) August 22, 2015
Pendlebury wow poor choice of words On another note come to the dees then if it means nothing
— Luke Martini (@Luke_Tingles) August 22, 2015
@paigecardona as an opposition supporter I am astonished he would say that. Especially someone as well respected as pendlebury
— Jonathan Miles (@jonnymiles50) August 22, 2015
Pendlebury with some really poor choice of words. It might not mean much to you, but it does to the fans
— Osama (@osamahag10) August 22, 2015