Gold Coast Suns player Max Knobel has been suspended for four matches for the use of homophobic language during a VFL game against Brisbane.
The sanction for the offence that took place during Round 11, which has been accepted by Knobel and the Suns, means he will not be eligible to play until Round 18.
It comes following an investigation from the AFL’s integrity unit.
Apologising for his remark, Knobel, 21, said: “I have to take responsibility for my actions which were unacceptable. I understand the severity of what I said and the impact those comments have on a wide range of people.
“I have offered my apologies to the Brisbane player and would like to extend my sincerest apologies to those who have been impacted by my comments, particularly those as part of the LGBTIQA+ community.
“I will accept the repercussions of my actions. It is not what I stand for as a person and I understand that I now need to prove that through my actions moving forward. I will continue to learn and educate myself in an effort to get better.”
While Suns chief executive Mark Evans added: “Max’s actions do not align with what we stand for as a football club, and our commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment. He immediately acknowledged that it was unacceptable and was remorseful for his actions.
“He is fully aware of the damage comments of this nature can have. He has committed to educating and bettering himself and he will have the club’s full support in those endeavours.”
The AFL Players’ Association also issued a statement attributed to CEO, James Gallagher, saying: “The use of homophobic language is harmful and negatively impacts the LGBTIQA+ community.
“Max is deeply remorseful, has taken responsibility for his actions, and has apologised.
“Ridding the game of homophobia requires alignment from the entire industry and, as it stands, the game hasn’t done the work to develop a more holistic solution through meaningful engagement with the LGBTIQA+ community, bespoke education, as well as an appropriate disciplinary process.
“The AFLPA continues to support Max and will work with the industry through the Equality, Safety, and Inclusion (EIS) Advisory Committee to ensure everyone involved in our game feels valued, respected and safe.”
Earlier this year, Brisbane Lions draftee Koby Evans received a four-game ban for directing a homophobic slur towards a VFL opponent.
That came just weeks after Saints star Lance Collard was hit with a two-match ban, and a further two matches suspended for his second incident of the same nature in three years.
Since the start of 2024, a further five AFL players have been sanctioned for homophobic slurs.
Port Adelaide’s Jeremy Finlayson (three games), Adelaide’s Izak Rankine (four games), West Coast’s Jack Graham (four games), Sydney’s Riak Andrew (five games) and Gold Coast’s Wil Powell (five games) have all been sanctioned for slurs in the past three seasons.
Knobel, the son of former Brisbane, St Kilda and Richmond player Trent, is yet to play an AFL match.
He was originally drafted to Fremantle with pick No. 42 in 2022 before being delisted by the Dockers at the end of 2024, but with the promise he would be re-signed in the rookie draft.
However, the Suns snagged him at the draft with pick 4.
Most recently he had 39 hit-outs, 13 disposals and four clearances in Gold Coast’s 17-point win on Saturday.
Read related topics:Brisbane