AFLPA expresses deep concern over Appeals Board statement

The AFLPA are 'deeply concerned' over the AFL Appeals Board's reasoning behind the reduction of Lance Collard's suspension.

After being handed a nine-game suspension for using a homophobic slur during St Kilda's Round 2 VFL clash against Frankston by the Tribunal, the decision was taken to the AFL Appeals Board.

From there, the board believed that the decision was "manifestly excessive" and thus chose to slash the ban to four games (two of which will be suspended).

This was based on their belief that a large suspension would end Collard's professional football career and that, on occasion, it can be 'commonplace' for racial, sexist or homophobic slurs to be used on the football field.

In a statement from the player's association, CEO James Gallagher took umbrage with the AFL Appeals Board's decision.

“We are deeply concerned by statements made by the AFL Appeals Board when arriving at its decision on Thursday night," it read.

"The AFLPA does not accept the suggestion that vilification is "commonplace" on the field between players. No matter how hard or competitive the game is, there is no excuse for racist, sexist, or homophobic language and this language is hurtful to communities beyond the individual it is directed at.

"Every step of this process has caused more harm to the LGBTQIA+ community, the First Nations community, and the individuals at the centre of this issue and that is something the industry must deeply reflect on. We have a shared responsibility to develop an approach that is fair, minimises and remedies the harms caused, and shifts behaviour.

"Football is for everyone and all players and the AFLPA remain committed to playing our part in building a culture where everyone is valued, respected, and safe.”

This was a sentiment shared by AFL CEO Andrew Dillon who rejected the board's reasoning.

"The AFL specifically rejects the Appeals Board’s reasoning which stated, 'it is commonplace that players can employ language from time to time which is racist, sexist or homophobic whilst on the field'," he said.

"The AFL strongly rejects the statement not only that such language is commonplace, but also any implication that may be a factor in determining the severity of the sanction.

"We will not accept, excuse or normalise behaviour and language that demeans, discriminates or vilifies people based on who they are.

"We acknowledge there are always broader considerations in these matters, and they must be handled with care. But they do not override the responsibility everyone has to meet the standards of the game.

"We are clear on where we stand. Respect and inclusion are not optional in our game – they are fundamental."

Dillon also reinforced that homophobia had no place in the sport.

That sanction reflected the seriousness of using a homophobic slur on the field and was intended to set a clear standard for our game - particularly given this was a second offence," he said.

"The Appeals Board last night reduced the sanction to a four-match suspension, with two matches suspended until the end of next year. In our view, stronger action was not only warranted – it was necessary.

"Let me be clear: homophobia has no place in Australian football. Not at any level. Not under any circumstances."