Adelaide Crows midfielder Izak Rankine has been handed a four-match suspension after admitting to using a homophobic slur during his side’s tight three-point win over Collingwood on Saturday.
The 25-year-old becomes the sixth AFL-listed player in just 16 months to face a ban for the same offence.
The AFL described Rankine’s words as “offensive, hurtful and highly inappropriate,” stressing that there is no room for such behaviour in the game.
“In an AFL environment, this behaviour is not acceptable. Homophobia has no place in football,” said AFL general counsel Stephen Meade.
Rankine’s Apology
Rankine apologised to the Collingwood player involved, admitting he made a serious mistake.
“I regret using the word and I am deeply sorry for doing so,” he said. “That type of language has no place in football or in the community. It was a mistake. I’m committed to educating myself and being better.”
Adelaide’s chief executive Tim Silvers said the club was “frustrated and disappointed” with Rankine’s actions but added that “player welfare is always a priority.”
Growing Problem in the Game
Rankine’s suspension adds to a growing list of similar incidents across the AFL and its second-tier competition, the VFL.
- West Coast’s Jack Graham was suspended for four matches just last month.
- Gold Coast’s Will Powell copped a five-game ban in May, only weeks after Port Adelaide’s Jeremy Finlayson served a three-match suspension.
- In the VFL, Sydney defender Riak Andrew received a five-match ban, while St Kilda’s Lance Collard was hit with six games for remarks made while playing for Sandringham last year.
Meade admitted the issue remains a concern:
“One incident of this nature is too many, and the fact there have been multiple this year shows we still have more work to do and we are committed to that.”
The AFL has promised to continue working on education and accountability, reinforcing its stance that respect and inclusivity must remain at the heart of the game.
