- Jeremy Finlayson has formally apologized for his homophobic comments
- Footy star made comment during Port Adelaide’s win over Essendon
- Finlayson says he accepts “full responsibility” for his actions
Port Adelaide forward Jeremy Finlayson has formally apologized for making a homophobic slur during his side’s win over Essendon as he awaits the outcome of an AFL investigation.
The incident occurred during the third quarter of the Power’s 69-point win over the Bombers at Adelaide Oval during Gather Round.
“I take full responsibility for what happened on Friday evening,” Finlayson said in a statement from Port Adelaide on Sunday.
‘The word I used is very unacceptable in football. We have to eradicate it and I deeply regret it.”
It is understood that a referee’s microphone picked up the insult and several players heard it.
Jeremy Finlayson has apologized for his homophobic comments towards a rival player
Finlayson made the comment during Port Adelaide’s win over Essendon
Port Adelaide said Finlayson informed the club of the comment during the three-quarter break and spoke to the victim on the field to apologize after the final siren.
“I knew immediately this was not acceptable and I take full responsibility,” Finlayson said.
“I discussed it at the time and… let everyone know what happened, and it’s now in the hands of the AFL to investigate.
‘I continue to reflect and improve myself, and get as much education as possible to make myself better.’
The AFL Integrity Unit investigation is ongoing.
“We have to go through a process and talk to everyone involved, but Jeremy has come out, he has admitted he made the comment and he has apologised,” AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon told Channel Nine.
The Port Adelaide forward said he is educating himself ‘to make myself better’
“So now we just have to figure out what the responsibility will be.
“I don’t want to spend too much time on it, but it will be ready this week.”
Last month, North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson was fined $20,000 and given a two-match ban for abusing St Kilda defenders Jimmy Webster and Dougal Howard during a pre-season match.
Clarkson was asked to explain his actions to the AFL after allegedly using the homophobic slur ‘c*******er’ during the practice match.