The union that represents Australian Rules players on Friday called for a “more effective and united approach” to tackling homophobia with the sport embroiled in yet another ugly scandal.

In the latest, Adelaide star Izak Rankine was slapped with a four-match ban on Thursday for a homophobic slur against an opponent last weekend.

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He is the sixth player banned for similar incidents in the past 16 months, and the AFL Players’ Association (AFLPA) said a more rounded approach was needed from the AFL.

“This incident again highlights the need for a more effective and united approach,” AFLPA interim chief executive Ben Smith said.

“While there is strong alignment across the industry in rejecting homophobia, the AFL’s focus on sanctioning players in the absence of a holistic strategy is not delivering the cultural change we need.”

He urged more “meaningful engagement” with those impacted by homophobia and better education for players.

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Smith also took aim at how the story was handled by some media which focused more on the sanction being less than expected and not the underlying causes.

The AFL cited “compelling medical grounds” for suspending Rankine for four games instead of five, reportedly due to his history of mental health and concussion issues.

Smith noted that public debate around homophobia in sport “has a significant impact on many people, including those directly involved and members of the LGBTQI+ community with lived experience”.

“That impact is compounded when a highly public debate occurs which is singularly focused on the level of the sanction at the expense of meaningfully understanding of what occurred, why it occurred and what can be done to not only prevent the reoccurrence of any homophobic conduct, but to create a genuinely inclusive environment,” he added.

AFL general counsel Stephen Meade has acknowledged that more work needs to be done to tackle the problem, without spelling out what was planned.

Adelaide boss Tim Silvers told local radio on Friday that Rankine, who has apologised, was “doing it tough”.

“He’s embarrassed, he’s remorseful, he’s regretful, he hasn’t actually been back to the club since it happened,” he said

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Read the full AFL Players’ Association statement from Smith below.

The AFL Players’ Association acknowledges the decision of the AFL to impose a four-match ban on Izak Rankine after he used homophobic language during last weekend’s AFL match.

The use of homophobic language is harmful, disrespectful, and has no place in our game. Izak has taken responsibility for his actions, including by apologising the following morning, and is deeply remorseful. We will continue to support him through this process and beyond.

The AFLPA stands firmly with the LGBTQI+ community, including our members. Language like this doesn’t just hurt those it’s directed at, it affects everyone in our community, and particularly those who already face exclusion or marginalisation. It undermines the inclusive, respectful environment we are all working to build.

This incident again highlights the need for a more effective and united approach. While there is strong alignment across the industry in rejecting homophobia, the AFL’s focus on sanctioning players in the absence of a holistic strategy is not delivering the cultural change we need.

Meaningful engagement with those impacted by homophobia and education that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of players, combined with a fair and transparent process for addressing incidents and remedying harms, must be part of the solution.

It is important to appreciate and understand that each of these incidents, and the way in which they are handled, have a significant impact on many people, including those directly involved and members of the LGBTQI+ community with lived experience. That impact is compounded when a highly public debate occurs which is singularly focused on the level of the sanction at the expense of meaningfully understanding what occurred, why it occurred and what can be done to not only prevent the reoccurrence of any homophobic conduct but to create a genuinely inclusive environment.

The AFL must also provide those affected with due process and fully take into account the particular circumstances of each case. We are particularly disappointed by the cynicism that has attached to the consideration of confidential medical information.

The AFLPA has long advocated for the AFL to take the necessary steps to embed respect for human rights into the game and industry of Australian football. Through the CBA, we have a shared commitment with the AFL to equality, inclusion and safety.

We are also continuing to negotiate a new code of player behaviour to ensure players are effectively sanctioned where warranted and accorded due process.

These are important steps toward a game culture that reflects the values we stand for.

The AFLPA and our membership remain fully committed to working with the AFL, the clubs and the LGBTQI+ community to ensure our game is respectful, inclusive, and truly safe for everyone.