Port Adelaide forward Jeremy Finlayson has been banned for three games and will be required to attend Pride in Sport training after making a homophobic slur against an Essendon opponent in Saturday’s clash at the Adelaide Oval.
He will not be eligible to play for Port Adelaide during Round 5, 6 and 7, including playing in the SANFL.
In determining the sanction, the AFL took into account Finlayson’s immediate apology.
The forward apologised to the Bombers player involved on the night and publicly on Sunday and Monday.
The AFL said without the apology, Finlayson would have received a longer suspension.
Finlayson will also have to pay for his Pride in Sport training personally.
AFL General Counsel Stephen Meade says that Finlayson understands the language used is hurtful and unacceptable.
“Everyone, including Jeremy understands the word he used is both hurtful and totally unacceptable in any setting, ever,” Meade said via a statement.
“The AFL is very clear that homophobia has no place in our game, nor in society. We want all people in LGBTQI+ communities to feel safe playing or attending our games and we know the incident that happened on the weekend does not assist this goal. As a code we will continue to work together to improve our game as a safe and inclusive environment for all.
“The AFL will continue to consider the specific circumstances in each incident in determining appropriate responses. Jeremy’s sanction would have been higher if he didn’t immediately understand and take ownership of his mistake both privately and publicly.”
Finlayson misses games against Fremantle, Collingwood and St Kilda as a result of the ban.
He’ll next be free to play at the top level against Adelaide in the Showdown at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday, May 2.
