The AFL has handed down a suspension to Port Adelaide forward Jeremy Finlayson for his homophobic slur toward an Essendon player during last week's clash.
Finlayson has been banned for three games and will attend Pride in Sport education, which he is required to fund himself.
The Power utility was found guilty of breaching AFL Rule 2.3(a) (Conduct Unbecoming) and the suspension could've been longer if not for the immediate apology and remorse for his inappropriate outburst in the penalty.
The 29-year-old will miss clashes in Rounds 5 (Fremantle), 6 (Collingwood) and 7 (St Kilda) of the AFL season as well as being ineligible to play in the SANFL.
AFL General Counsel Stephen Meade made it "clear that homophobia has no place in our game" and Finlayson's case was dealt with accordingly.
โEveryone, including Jeremy, understands the word he used is both hurtful and totally unacceptable in any setting, ever,โ Meade said.
โThe 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 games and we know the incident that happened on the weekend does not assist this goal. As a code, we will continue to work together to improve our game as a safe and inclusive environment for all.
โThe AFL will continue to consider the specific circumstances in each incident in determining appropriate responses. Jeremy's sanction would have been higher if he didn't immediately understand and take ownership of his mistake both privately and publicly.โ
All AFL and AFLW Players and officials receive yearly education regarding vilification and the effects of such behaviour.
Port Adelaide and Finlayson have accepted the sanction handed down by the League, with the latter reaffirming his regret for the comment.
โThe word I used has no place in our society or our game,โ Finlayson said.
โWords can be very hurtful and what I said on Friday night was totally unacceptable.
โI unreservedly apologise again to the Essendon player, my teammates, Port Adelaide members and supporters and the LGBTQIA+ community for the distress I have caused.
โI accept the AFL's sanction and now look forward to reflecting on my behaviour and seeking education to improve myself and understand the impact such comments can have on the broader community.โ
Power chairman David Koch reiterated Finlayson's apology.
โOn behalf of the Port Adelaide Football Club, I extend an apology to the Essendon player, the Port Adelaide community of members and supporters and the LGBTQIA+ community,โ Koch said.
โWhat was said is totally unacceptable and comments of this nature do not align with what our club stands for. Port Adelaide is a place for everyone so we are very disappointed with what occurred on Friday night.
โImportantly, Jeremy self-reported and apologised to the player on the night and has publicly expressed his remorse.
โWe will now provide education for Jeremy and offer him and his family support during this time.
โWe do not underestimate the seriousness of this matter and look forward to the AFL applying consistency to such cases in the future.โ
Finlayson will be available for selection in Round 8 when Port Adelaide faces arch-rivals Adelaide in the Showdown.
