Jeremy Finlayson: Port Adelaide star suspended for three weeks following homophobic slur

Port Adelaide forward Jeremy Finlayson will miss this weekend’s clash with Fremantle after copping a three-match ban for his homophobic slur.

Finlayson won’t be allowed to play at any level across the next three weeks and will attend Pride In Sport training in the wake of his hurtful comment during last weekend’s win over Essendon.

In a statement, the AFL said it had considered the 28-year-old’s contrition and immediate apology in handing down its penalty, with his actions helping him avoid a longer ban.

“Everyone, including Jeremy understands the word he used is both hurtful and totally unacceptable in any setting, ever,” AFL general counsel Stephen Meade said.

“The AFL is very clear that homophobia has no place in our game, nor in society.

“We want all people in LGBTQI+ communities to feel safe playing or attending our games and we know the incident that happened on the weekend does not assist this goal.

“As a code we will continue to work together to improve our game as a safe and inclusive environment for all.

“The AFL will continue to consider the specific circumstances in each incident in determining appropriate responses. Jeremy’s sanction would have been higher if he didn’t immediately understand and take ownership of his mistake both privately and publicly.”

Finlayson, who is Port Adelaide’s second-leading goalkicker this season, will miss matches against Collingwood and St Kilda after this weekend’s showdown with fellow 3-1 side Fremantle.

The penalty comes just weeks after North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson escaped a suspension after yelling a different homophobic slur at St Kilda players in a March pre-season game.

Clarkson was fined $20,000 and handed a suspended two-match ban.

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said on Monday the case was not comparable to the Finlayson incident.

In accepting the ban, Finlayson reiterated his apology and reflected on the hurt he had caused.

“The word I used has no place in our society or our game,” Finlayson said.

“Words can be very hurtful and what I said on Friday night was totally unacceptable.

“I unreservedly apologise again to the Essendon player, my teammates, Port Adelaide members and supporters and the LGBTQIA+ community for the distress I have caused.

“I accept the AFL’s sanction and now look forward to reflecting on my behaviour and seeking education to improve myself and understand the impact such comments can have on the broader community.”

Power chair David Koch echoed the sentiment in issuing an apology on behalf of the club.

“What was said is totally unacceptable and comments of this nature do not align with what our club stands for,” Koch said.

“Port Adelaide is a place for everyone so we are very disappointed with what occurred on Friday night.”