Koby Evans is the latest AFL player to be in hot water over the use of a gay slur during a game. The Brisbane Lions draftee admitted to the infraction during a VFL game last week.
The 18-year-old player now been given a four game ban for the offence. The Perth raised player was picked by the Brisbane Lions in the most recent draft but has yet to make his AFL debut with the club.
“My language was totally unacceptable, I’m disappointed in myself, and apologise to the LGBTQI+ community and our club,” Evans said.
“I knew as soon as it came out of my mouth that I’d made a bad mistake and this language is unacceptable on or off the field.”
Alongside the ban he’ll also be required to undertake LGBTIQA+ inclusion training.
“Everyone understands that homophobia and homophobic language has absolutely no place in our game at any level or in the wider community,” AFL chief operating officer Tom Harley said.
“Our players have a very clear understanding of what is acceptable on the football field and in society.
“Koby self-reported this incident and has taken ownership of his mistake both privately and publicly.
“It is extremely disappointing to be dealing with another incident of this nature.”
The AFL has had to deal with a string of players being caught making gay slurs on the field, and ever-increasing suspensions appear to be having little effect as a deterrence.
In recent years, the AFL has taken a tougher stance against homophobic language on the field.
Adelaide Crows player Izak Rankine was given a four match ban at the end of last year that spilled over into the new season.
West Coast Eagle Jack Graham was suspended for four matches over comments he made on the pitch. While Sydney Swans player Riak Andrew was given a five week suspension for comments he made.
The 2024 season saw several players across the league handed hefty penalties as officials clamped down on inappropriate language on the field. Port Adelaide’s Jeremy Finlayson was given a three-match ban, Gold Coast’s Wil Powell was suspended for four.
St Kilda’s Lance Collard, who originally hails from Western Australia, has been found to be using homophobic slurs on two occasions – but the player has maintained he was calling his oppontent’s “maggots” the second time he was pulled up.
The AFL Player’s Association is calling on the game to take a different approach arguing that punitive measures are not working.
“A more holistic solution requires meaningful engagement with LGBTIQA+ community leaders, education that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of players, and a disciplinary process that minimises and remedies the harms caused,” AFLPA chief executive James Gallagher said in a statement.
“In recent weeks we have reinforced this in discussions with the AFL, and the AFLPA remains committed to work required to ensure a culture in our game where everyone is valued, respected and safe.”
