Brisbane’s Koby Evans is the latest AFL player to be investigated for using a homophobic slur during a game.
The young player has admitted the offence, and the Brisbane Lions say he is extremely remorseful.
The incident occurred during a VFL game on Saturday against rivals Coburg.
“The club is aware of the incident and has been working with Coburg and the AFL on it,” a Brisbane spokesperson said.
“The club has confirmed the player has apologised multiple times – on field and again post‑match.
“The player is extremely remorseful and takes full responsibility.
“The club is disappointed the incident has occurred, while supporting and educating the player.”
The AFL’s integrity unit is investigating the matter.
“We have been made aware of a matter arising from the VFL Round 6 match between Coburg and the Brisbane Lions, which has been referred to the AFL integrity unit,” the AFL said in a statement.
Evans, who is from Perth, was selected in last year’s draft to play for the Brisbane Lions, he is yet to make his AFL debut.
The rookie is the latest in a growing lineup of players who’ve been caught making homophobic slurs during matches. Just a few weeks ago St Kilda’s Lance Collard was caught making a homophobic statement for a second time.
Initially he was given a nine match ban, with two matches suspended. On appeal it was dropped to just two weeks, with Collard maintaining he’d called a player on the opposing team a “maggot” and had been misheard.
In recent years, the AFL has taken a tougher stance against homophobic language on the field. That commitment was questioned when the review board excused Collard’s behaviour by saying in competitive sport racist and homophobic language is often used in the heat of the game.
Following public disbelief, The AFL moved quickly, sacking the head of their own review tribunal.
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, while Lance Collard was awarded a six-match suspension as punishment for his previous outburst.
