Adelaide Crows investigating fan’s homophobic slur towards Glenelg captain Liam McBean in SANFL final

On the eve of their first AFL final in eight years Adelaide have been forced to investigate another homophobic slur, this time in a SANFL game.

The Crows will take on Collingwood in Thursday night’s AFL qualifying final without Izak Rankine after the star forward copped a four-match ban from the governing body.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Adelaide Crows investigating ugly slur towards rival captain.

The same word Rankine directed at a Magpies player last month was thrown at Glenelg captain Liam McBean during Sunday’s SANFL qualifying final against Adelaide’s reserves team.

McBean, a former Richmond player turned three-time SANFL premiership hero, was spotted pointing to the grandstand to call out the supporter.

The nearby boundary umpire also heard the abuse and notified security, with the man responsible promptly evicted.

Adelaide Oval management said in a statement any breach of the ground’s code of conduct may also be referred to SA Police for identification, with a possible punishment including a ban from the stadium.

7NEWS understands the fan is not a Crows member — but it is another unwanted distraction for Adelaide as they look to break a 28-year AFL premiership drought.

McBean preached education in a classy response on the red carpet at Monday night’s Magarey Medal count.

“Look it’s not something you expect to hear coming over the fence,” he told 7NEWS Adelaide.

“Clearly sport is something that brings people together and it’s an inclusive environment.

“I must admit when I first heard it was a bit of shock and hopefully with the quick actions that took place afterwards there’ll be an education.

“And hopefully there’ll be some education.”

McBean will lead Glenelg against minor premiers Sturt in the second semi-final on Sunday as the Tigers hunt a hat-trick of flags and fourth since 2019.

Sturt’s league-leading campaign was capped off by midfielder Tom Lewis claiming the Magarey Medal on Monday night.

Meanwhile, Rankine is expected to return to the Crows this week after flying to Italy in the wake of his suspension.