Adelaide midfielder Izak Rankine says he is “deeply sorry” after becoming the sixth Australian Football League-listed player to be suspended for using a homophobic slur in the past 16 months.
The 25-year-old was given a four-match ban after admitting a charge of using a slur against an unnamed Collingwood player during Adelaide’s three-point win on Saturday.
The Australian Football League (AFL) said Rankine’s words were “offensive, hurtful and highly inappropriate”.
“In an AFL environment, this behaviour is not acceptable. Homophobia has no place in football,” said AFL general counsel Stephen Meade.
Rankine said he has apologised to the unnamed player.
“I regret using the word and I am deeply sorry for doing so,” Rankine 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 chief executive Tim Silvers said the club was “frustrated and disappointed” in Rankine but that “player welfare is always a priority”.