- Jeremy Finlayson is under investigation by the AFL Integrity Unit
- The referee’s microphone picked up racist-homophobic comments on the field
- READ MORE: Ryan ‘Fitzy’ Fitzgerald Furious Over ‘Radelaide’ Ban
Port Adelaide forward Jeremy Finlayson has admitted making homophobic comments during his side’s win over Essendon and is under AFL investigation.
Finlayson has apologized for the incident, which occurred in the third term of Port’s 69-point win over the Bombers at Adelaide Oval on Friday night.
It is understood a referee’s microphone picked up the insult and at least one Essendon player also shouted it.
Port said in a statement that Finlayson will make a statement on Sunday, with the target of the slur yet to be identified.
“Port Adelaide forward Jeremy Finlayson has admitted using a homophobic slur at an Essendon opponent during the third quarter of last night’s match at Adelaide Oval,” the Power said.
Port Adelaide’s Jeremy Finlayson will be investigated by the AFL’s integrity unit
Port said Finlayson had apologized for the homophobic comment made during Friday’s match against the Bombers
‘A remorseful Finlayson informed the club during the three-quarter break and apologized to the victim on the pitch after the final siren last night.
Finlayson, who will be assisted by club leaders in the coming days, will make a statement tomorrow.
“The club is now waiting for the AFL to complete its investigation.”
The AFL also confirmed on Saturday evening that Finlayson was under investigation.
“We are taking this matter extremely seriously,” an AFL spokesperson said.
‘AFLIU (integrity unit) is now investigating and we will provide an update once that investigation is complete.’
Finlayson, 28, played more than 60 games for Greater Western Sydney before transferring to Port Adelaide (pictured with wife Kellie)
The AFLIU should make its job simple with the referee’s microphone and a Bombers player both hearing the commentary.
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.