Lion handed four game suspension for homophobic slur

Brisbane's Koby Evans has been handed a four game suspension by the AFL's integrity unit after using a homophobic slur on the football field.

During the Lions' VFL clash against Coburg, the league deemed that the 18-year-old breached AFL Rule 2.3(a) (Conduct Unbecoming) by using the slur.

This suspension was handed down on the basis that the midfielder had self-reported the incident and expressed deep remorse for his actions.

It's the same amount of games that St Kilda's Lance Collard had his suspension downgraded to after he was found guilty of a similar act by the AFL's Appeals board.

The Brisbane Lions released this statement:

Evans is extremely remorseful and takes full responsibility for his actions, he has apologised multiple times, including to his opponent on field immediately after the incident, following the match and he again spoke with his opposing player on Sunday, the day after the match.

“My language was totally unacceptable, I’m disappointed in myself, and apologise to the LGBTQI+ community and our club,” Evans said.

“I knew as soon as it came out of my mouth, that I’d made a bad mistake and this language is unacceptable on or off the field.”

Lions Chief Executive Officer, Sam Graham said the Club is disappointed, as there is no place for this type of language in our game or in society more broadly.

“Our Club is committed to being an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and able to belong, including players, staff, members and fans.

“Koby has addressed his teammates and through this situation has been upfront with the club and AFL about this matter.

“We recognise that Koby is at the beginning of his career and we will work with him to provide the necessary support and education, to ensure he understands the impact words can have on people”

*During the period of suspension, Evans will undertake LGBTQI+ inclusion education, delivered by subject matter experts. *