The AFL Integrity Unit have opened up an investigation on first-year Sydney player Riak Andrew, after he used a homophobic slur during last Saturday’s VFL win over North Melbourne.
Via a club statement released on Monday evening, the 20-year-old Swan is said to be “remorseful and takes full responsibility” for his actions.
“This behaviour does not reflect the values of our club, and we take this matter very seriously,” Swans chief executive Tom Harley said in the statement.
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“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.
“In a fortnight we will be playing in the Pride Game, a match that is incredibly important to our club. We are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment.”
Andrew’s slur comes less than a fortnight since West Coast player Jack Graham was suspended for four weeks after self-reporting a homophobic slur of his own.
It makes him the fifth AFL player in 16 months set to be suspended for the use of a homophobic slur, with Port Adelaide’s Jeremy Finlayson, Gold Coast’s Wil Powell and St Kilda’s Lance Collard each receiving suspensions between three and six weeks.
He was taken with Pick No. 55 in last year’s National Draft, and is the brother of Gold Coast Suns key defender Mac Andrew.
MORE TO COME…