Gold Coast Suns’ Will Powell handed five-match ban for homophobic slur vs Brisbane Lions

May 9, 2024 Viral10 News 0

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Gold Coast Suns player Will Powell has become the second AFL player to be banned this season for using a homophobic slur.

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Powell admitted to using a homophobic slur towards a Brisbane Lions player during Sunday’s contest at the Gabba.

He alerted club officials during the match of the slur and offered up an apology to the Lions player during, after and again in the hours following the match.

The AFL’s Integrity Unit investigated the incident before handing down a five-match suspension on Thursday.

“As soon as the word came out of my mouth, I knew I had made a terrible mistake,” Powell said in a statement on Thursday.

“I have offered my apology to the Brisbane player and would like to publicly apologise for my comment. I will take full responsibility for what I said.

“I know there is no place for comments of that nature and I will accept the repercussions for my actions. I should have known better and I need to prove this with my actions moving forward.”

Gold Coast Suns CEO Mark Evans said the club condemned the comments but would support Powell in his endeavour to redeem himself.

“Wil’s comment was completely unacceptable, and in no way reflects what we stand for as a football club,” Evans said in a statement.

“We have spoken to Wil to ensure he understands the severity of his comment and the effect comments like these can have on others. He has committed to work hard to educate and better himself and he will have the club’s support to make those improvements.”

Powell joins Port Adelaide’s Jeremy Finlayson as the second player to be banned for using a homophobic slur.

Finlayson was handed a three-week suspension after he aimed a homophobic slur at an Essendon opponent.

After being handed the ban, Finlayson conceded his behaviour was unacceptable.

“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.”

Finlayson was eligible to return to the Power’s line-up in round 8, but was not selected for the Derby against Adelaide.

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