Sydney defender Riak Andrew has been hit with five-match suspension after he was cited for using a homophobic slur while representing the club’s VFL team.
First-year player Andrew, the younger brother of Gold Coast star Mac Andrew, used the slur during the Swans’ VFL clash with North Melbourne on Saturday.
On Wednesday the AFL Integrity Unit ended its investigation, and the handed out the long ban.
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In a statement, the AFL called the word used a “highly offensive” slur.
“The incident was reported to the umpire by a North Melbourne player at the end of the first quarter and subsequently to the AFL, following which an investigation was undertaken by the AFL Integrity Unit,” the league said on Wednesday.
“As a part of the sanction Andrew will also undertake Pride in Sport education.”
Sydney’s Riak Andrew has been suspended for using a homophobic slur in the VFL. Credit: AAP
Sydney said Andrew was remorseful and had taken full responsibility for his actions.
“I am deeply sorry for the word that I used in Saturday’s game and any hurt that it has caused,” Andrew said.
“While I did not understand the full impact of the words I used at the time, I certainly do now, and have deep regret for my actions.
“This has impacted not only our club but the broader community, and for that I am truly sorry. I am committed to using this as an opportunity to learn and get better.”
Swans chief executive Tom Harley said the club was extremely disappointed in the 20-year-old’s actions.
“This behaviour does not reflect the values of our club, and we take this matter very seriously,” Harley said.
“While it is disappointing, we recognise that Riak is at the beginning of his career and we will use this as an opportunity to provide support and education, to ensure Riak understands the impact of his words.”
Andrew’s slur comes as Sydney prepare to hold their annual celebration of LGBTIQA+ communities, when they host Essendon at the SCG on August 2.
“In a fortnight we will be playing in the Pride Game, a match that is incredibly important to our club,” Harley said.
“We are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment.”
Andrew was taken with pick No.55 in last year’s draft and is yet to make his AFL debut.
Earlier this month, West Coast midfielder Jack Graham was found guilty of conduct unbecoming and suspended for four matches for using a homophobic slur during his side’s loss to GWS.
Another three AFL players were suspended for using homophobic slurs last season.
Gold Coast defender Wil Powell (five matches) and Port Adelaide forward Jeremy Finlayson (three) served bans over incidents in AFL matches.
St Kilda’s Lance Collard served a six-match penalty for “unprompted and highly offensive” slurs towards two Williamstown players in a VFL game.
AFL launches investigation into homophobic slur
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