- The Port Adelaide star admitted a slur before the end of the match
- Facing calls for a long-term ban over shocking outburst
- Power boss David Koch said no ban should be applied
Port Adelaide forward Jeremy Finlayson has been handed a three-match ban after admitting using a homophobic slur against an unnamed Essendon player.
The AFL believed Finlayson used an “unsolicited and highly offensive” comment during the third quarter of the Power’s 69-point win against the Bombers on Friday evening.
In addition to missing three matches, Finlayson must complete a Pride In Sport training program which he will have to pay for himself.
In determining the sanction, the AFL took into account the 28-year-old who apologized and admitted his mistake the next day.
Finlayson (pictured) has been banned for three matches for his disgraceful act against an Essendon star during the Gather Round last Friday evening
The Port veteran (pictured with his wife Kellie) might have faced a longer ban had he not apologized for his outburst shortly after the match
“Everyone, including Jeremy, understands that the word he used is both hurtful and completely unacceptable in any situation,” AFL chief counsel Stephen Meade said.
“The AFL is very clear that homophobia has no place in our game, nor in society.
‘We want all people in LGBTQI+ communities to feel safe playing or attending our matches and we know that the incident that took place this weekend does not contribute to this goal.
“As a code, we will continue to work together to improve our game as a safe and inclusive environment for all.
“The AFL will continue to take the specific circumstances of each incident into account when determining appropriate responses.
“Jeremy’s sanction would have been higher if he had not immediately understood his mistake and taken responsibility for it, both privately and publicly.”
The 28-year-old will also have to complete a Pride In Sport training program which he will have to pay for as part of his sentence
Port Adelaide said they would accept the Finlayson sanction.
Last month, North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson was fined $20,000 and given a two-match ban for allegedly using homophobic slurs at St Kilda defenders Jimmy Webster and Dougal Howard during a pre-season match.
Power chairman David Koch was criticized and accused of defending homophobia when he said Clarkson’s punishment was the benchmark for the league and that Finlayson should not miss any playing time.
In 2022, NRL Warriors winger Marcelo Montoya was suspended for four matches after using a homophobic slur against North Queensland star Kyle Feldt.
The NRL wanted a six-week ban but took into account Montoya’s previous good record, the remorse he had shown and his guilty plea.