Clydesdales captain Emry Pere apologises for homophobic slur

Western Clydesdales captain Emry Pere has released an apology for his homophobic slur used during the Hostplus Cup clash against the Burleigh Bears on Saturday night. Details here.

Western Clydesdales captain Emry Pere. Picture: Benny Hassum Photography.

Western Clydesdales captain Emry Pere says he deeply regrets the homophobic slur that has earned him a two game Hostplus Cup ban.

Pere could be heard saying “f---ing f----ot” during his side’s clash with Burleigh Bears at the weekend and was immediately sent from the field by the match referee.

In a statement to The Chronicle Pere apologised for his actions.

“Dear Western Clydesdales supporters and the general public, I want to take this opportunity to apologise for my actions during our recent match against the Burleigh Bears,” Pere said.

“The words I used were completely unacceptable and do not reflect my values or the values of the Western Clydesdales.

“I deeply regret the hurt and disappointment I have caused to my teammates, supporters, and the broader community.

“I take full responsibility for my mistake and have accepted the suspension handed down to

me.

“This incident was a lapse in judgment in the heat of the moment, and I am truly sorry.

“I am committed to learning from this experience and doing everything I can to promote respect and inclusion in our sport.

“Thank you for your understanding and continued support.”

The Clydesdales captain was sent off in the 10th minute of the clash and copped a two-game suspension after accepting an early guilty plea for grade 3 contrary conduct.

“The words that I heard that you said, unacceptable and cannot be used on a football field,” the referee could be heard saying on the stream of the match.

“Emry, you’re gone. It’s a homophobic slur Emry and you cannot say that on a football field.”

Originally published as Clydesdales captain Emry Pere apologises for homophobic slur