Collingwood players felt compelled to escalate Izak Rankine’s homophobic slur internally following Saturday’s night match in part due to an alleged incident several years ago.

It’s understood multiple Magpies players are of the belief that Rankine delivered a similar slur towards an opponent in a previous match against Collingwood.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Crows write to AFL in bid to free Rankine.

Rankine was warned at the time and put on notice by the opposing player, however, the matter wasn’t raised to club officials.

Conversations between officials at the Magpies and Crows ramped up on Sunday afternoon before the AFL was informed and the league’s integrity unit commenced its inquiries.

The investigation into Rankine’s homophobic slur from Saturday will enter its fourth day on Wednesday and is being treated in isolation.

Parties close to the situation believe Rankine is facing a ban of five matches.

Rankine has apologised to the Collingwood player he directed Saturday night’s slur towards and admitted his guilt.

However, the Crows are attempting to have the ban minimised in order for the star midfielder to be able to play again in 2025.

Adelaide entered a written submission to the AFL on Monday night highlighting extenuating circumstances that should have the ban reduced, including a verbal exchange with Collingwood defender Dan Houston.

It’s understood Houston is not the player Rankine delivered the slur towards on Saturday night.

A five-match ban would rule Rankine out for the season.

A four-match ban would allow him to play in the grand final should the Crows lose the qualifying final and still progress.