- A young footy star is set to receive a ban following a shock homophobic slur
- The AFL’s Integrity Unit has launched an investigation the matter
- The Sydney Swans have also condemned the defender’s comments
A Sydney Swans star is currently being investigated by the AFL, after he was alleged to have made a homophobic comment during a reserves match on Saturday.
According to a statement published on the Swan’s website, Riak Andrew has admitted that he ‘understands the language he used is unacceptable.’
The incident is said to have taken place during the Swans’ 11-point win in the VFL against North Melbourne on Friday.
Andrew, 20, who is also the brother of Gold Coast star Mac, explained he was remorseful over the matter, with the AFL’s integrity unit now having launched an investigation.
‘This behaviour does not reflect the values of our club, and we take this matter very seriously,’ Swns CEO Tom Harley said in a statement.
Sydney Swans youngster Riak Andrew is set to cop a hefty punishment after making a homophobic comment during a VFL match on Saturday
‘While it is disappointing, we recognise that Riak is at the beginning of his career and we will use this as an opportunity to provide support and education, to ensure Riak understands the impact of his words.’
Andrew is now facing the prospect of a punishment, which will likely include a suspension.
It comes as he has spent most of the season on the sidelines due to a shoulder injury.
The 193cm key defender had joined the club back in 2024 as the 55th pick in the AFL National Draft.
The Swans are meanwhile preparing for their annual Pride Game at the SCG on August 2 against Essendon.
‘In a fortnight, we will be playing in the Pride Game, a match that is incredibly important to our club,’ Harley added.
‘We are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment.’
The AFL has previously shown that it will take a heavy-handed approach to the use of homophobic slurs during games, with West Coast star Jack Graham being slapped with a four-match suspension.
The footy player said he was remorseful for the comment, with the AFL’s Integrity Unit currently investigating the matter
Graham reported to the AFL’s Integrity Unit that he had used a homophobic phrase during a game against the GWS Giants earlier in July.
‘Everyone understands the word he used is both hurtful and totally unacceptable in any setting, ever,’ Tony Keane, the head of the AFL’s Integrity Unit, said.
‘The AFL is very clear that homophobia has no place in our game, nor in the community. We have come a long way as a code, but this incident demonstrates there is so much more to be done, and we will continue to work together to improve our game as a safe and inclusive environment for all.’
Graham has apologised for the incident since.
‘I am very remorseful for the word I used and know such language has no place in our community or our game,’ he said.
‘I have offered my unreserved apology to the Giants player and Greater Western Sydney and would also like to publicly apologise for my comment.’
Last year, Jeremy Finlayson received a three-match ban, while Will Powell served a five-match ban for making similar comments.
