AFL star cops a HUGE ban for hitting multiple opponents with homophobic slurs during a match

The AFL has suspended St Kilda first-year forward Lance Collard for six weeks after he was found to have used homophobic insults at two opposing players during a reserves match on Saturday.

Collard, 19, was investigated for the offences after playing for St Kilda’s VFL club Sandringham against Williamstown.

The league called his comments “uncalled for and deeply offensive” in a statement Tuesday.

Collard said he was “incredibly sorry” and fully accepted his suspension, which includes mandatory Pride in Sport training.

AFL general counsel Stephen Meade said there was “no excuse” for the language Collard used.

“Everyone understands that this is completely unacceptable in any situation,” Meade said.

“The AFL is very clear that homophobia has no place in our game, or in society. We want everyone to feel safe in our game and Collard’s behaviour does not help that.

‘As code, we will continue to work together to improve our game and create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.’

Collard’s lengthy suspension is the longest for a homophobic insult in AFL history

St Kilda football boss David Misson said the Saints had spoken to their regular partner the Pride Cup, who would provide Collard and his team-mates with “additional counselling” following the incident.

“There’s no excuse for what Lance said,” Misson said.

‘At St Kilda we have a strong policy of supporting the individual but addressing the behaviour. Lance’s behaviour in this case is completely unacceptable but we will also be strong in our support and education for Lance.

“We have spoken to Lance and made sure he understands the seriousness of the situation and how damaging these types of comments can be.”

Collard said the exchange with the two Williamstown players did not “represent my values”.

“I deeply regret my comments and the pain they have caused me,” he said.

‘I am disappointed in myself and fully accept the consequences of my behavior.

The AFL said Collard’s comments were “uncalled for and highly offensive”

Port Adelaide’s Jeremy Finlayson (pictured) and Gold Coast’s Wil Powell both publicly apologised before their suspensions were imposed by the AFL. Photo: PAFC

“What I did does not represent my values, or the values ​​of the club. I have apologised to the Williamstown players who were affected by my behaviour, and I reiterate that apology unreservedly to everyone who was affected by my behaviour.”

Collard’s suspension is the most severe handed down this season for homophobic slurs, after two players and North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson were previously punished by the AFL.

Clarkson was given a fine and a suspended sentence, along with mandatory educational training, after making a homophobic slur at a St Kilda player during a practice match in March.

Finlayson was suspended for three weeks for uttering an insult to an Essendon opponent during the Gather Round. A few weeks later, Gold Coast’s Powell was given a more severe five-match ban for the same offence.

Meade said that after Finlayson’s suspension, there will be stricter penalties for similar incidents in the future.

The suspension means that Collard will no longer be able to participate in the three senior matches he played in his debut season.