An Australian Rules star was banned Thursday over a homophobic slur against an opponent – the sixth player in two seasons to suffer the same fate.
Adelaide’s Izak Rankine was slapped with a four-match penalty after admitting the offence during the Crows’ three-point win last weekend against Collingwood.
The sport’s governing body called the words used “offensive, hurtful and highly inappropriate”.
“Izak has said he knew it was not acceptable. Adelaide have said they know it is not acceptable,” said Australian Football League general counsel Stephen Meade.
“In an AFL environment, this behaviour is not acceptable. Homophobia has no place in football.”
In a statement shared by the AFL, the player said: “I regret using the word and I am very sorry for doing so, and that type of language has no place in football or the community.
“It was a mistake and I have apologised to the Collingwood player, and what happened does not reflect my values or those of the Club. I’m committed to educating myself and being better.”
A dynamic game similar to Ireland’s Gaelic football, Australian Rules is the country’s most popular spectator sport.
But it has long been marred by controversies, including claims of racism against Indigenous players.
Six players have now been suspended for using homophobic slurs against an opponent in the past 16 months, with bans ranging from three to six matches.
“We know people in the LGBTQI+ community and allies hurt when an incident like this happens,” said Meade.
“One incident of this nature is too many, and the fact there have been multiple this year shows we still have more work to do and we are committed to that.”
AFP
