Gay footy icon Ian Roberts names the one thing that’s more important than banning Jeremy Finlayson for his homophobic slur
- Ian Roberts has called on the AFL star to apologize to the gay community
- Port Adelaide’s Jeremy Finlayson criticized the Essendon player
- The AFL tipped to impose a penalty on the key forward on Wednesday
Gay footy icon Ian Roberts believes Port Adelaide star Jeremy Finlayson should apologize to the entire queer community after his homophobic slur against an Essendon player during the Gather Round.
It comes as the AFL is expected to impose punishment on the key striker on Wednesday after he breached the code’s ‘improper conduct’ rule.
Roberts, who came out in 1995, said Finlayson’s slur is “used very specifically to attack gay men.”
He is convinced that the sled Finlayson used will allow gay athletes to continue to hide their sexuality.
The former representative also argued that the AFL should launch a campaign to promote gay rights.
Gay footy icon Ian Roberts believes Port Adelaide star Jeremy Finlayson should apologize to the entire queer community after his homophobic slur against an Essendon player
It comes as the AFL is expected to impose its punishment on the key forward (pictured) on Wednesday after he breached the code’s inappropriate conduct rule.
Finlayson (pictured) apologized to the victim after the match and acknowledged his behavior was unacceptable
“So far I haven’t heard Jeremy apologize to the queer community. He has apologized to the player involved, but not to the community. It is a reference that is often used very specifically to attack gay men,” he said News Corp.
“I understand he understands it’s wrong, but he needs to apologize to the people it’s deeply offensive to.
That word – people don’t say it, they spit it out. As a gay man, that word is not only meant to insult you, it is also meant to cut you. It’s almost like the ‘N’ word.
“When it comes to the AFL, words are cheap…but people pay attention to the actions of organisations.”
Finlayson has since expressed remorse for his behavior.
“I knew immediately that this was not acceptable and I take full responsibility,” he 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.’
Earlier this season, North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson was fined $20,000 and given a two-match ban for allegedly using the word ‘c**ks***er’ in a heated argument with two St Kilda players.
In 2021, Adelaide Crows star Taylor Walker uttered racist comments on the field, which got him banned for six games and fined $20,000.