Izak Rankine handed four-game ban for homophobic slur

The AFL has finally handed down its decision on Izak Rankine’s “highly offensive” homophobic slur, in a saga that has dragged on all week.

The AFL has effectively handed Izak Rankine a season-ending ban, finally bringing an end to a saga that has gone on for five days.

The 25-year-old superstar was delivered a four-game ban on Thursday afternoon, with the Crows releasing a subsequent statement confirming Rankine “used a homophobic slur” during last Saturday’s game against Collingwood.

It is slightly less than the five-game ban most had predicted.

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“I regret using the word and I am very sorry for doing so and that type of language has no place in football or the community,” Rankine said in the club statement.

“It was a mistake and I have apologised to the Collingwood player and what happened does not reflect my values or those of the club.

“I’m committed to educating myself and being better.”

If the ladder-leading Crows win both a qualifying and preliminary final to reach the grand final, they will play four more games this year and Rankine’s season is over.

The only way he will play again this year is if the Crows lose in the first week of the finals and have to take the long road to the decider at the MCG.

Izak Rankine has copped a ban for a homophobic slur. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Last weekend’s contest in which the Crows emerged three-point victors was one of the games of the season, but it was overshadowed by an ugly moment where Rankine used a gay slur towards a Collingwood opponent.

Rankine allegedly called his opponent a f****t, with the incident coming just weeks after West Coast’s Jack Graham was banned for four matches for calling a GWS player a “f***ing f****t”.

Once the allegation came to light, the AFL’s initial investigation reportedly concluded on Tuesday that Rankine’s conduct was deserving of a season-ending ban.

On Wednesday, the Crows then asked for more time in their bid to downgrade any possible suspension and attempt to save Rankine’s season.

With AFL officials facing increasing criticism over the time it has taken for a verdict to be handed down, the decision finally dropped in a lengthy statement just after 3.30pm AEST on Thursday.

“The AFL wishes to advise that Adelaide Crows player Izak Rankine has been found guilty of breaching AFL Rule 2.3(a) (Conduct Unbecoming) in relation to an incident during the fourth quarter of the Round 23 match between Adelaide and Collingwood on Saturday night,” it read.

“The incident was reported to the AFL on Sunday by the Adelaide Crows.

“The AFL Integrity Unit found that Rankine used a highly offensive homophobic slur against a Collingwood opponent — language that demeans and denigrates people regardless of their sexuality.

“Following an investigation and submissions from Adelaide and Rankine including compelling medical submissions, Rankine has received a four-match sanction and has been ordered to undertake further Pride In Sport training.”

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 21: AFL CEO Andrew Dillon speaks to the media during a press conference at AFL House on August 21, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. The AFL today handed down a four game suspension to Adelaide Crows player Izak Rankine after he was found guilty of breaching AFL Rule 2.3(a) (Conduct Unbecoming) in relation to an incident using a homophobic slur in the game against Collingwood on Saturday night. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)

The AFL said Rankine cooperated fully with the investigation. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The statement added that Rankine called the player in question to apologise and “fully cooperated with the subsequent investigation by the AFL Integrity Unit including by admitting the use of the homophobic slur and being remorseful for it”.

AFL General Counsel Stephen Meade slammed Rankine in the statement and said the sport still clearly had work to do to combat the issue.

“The language used was offensive, hurtful and highly inappropriate,” he said.

“Our players have a very clear understanding of what is acceptable on the football field.

“Importantly, in this instance it was called out by players and acknowledged by Izak himself as wrong — and that reflects the standards we expect and demand in our game.

“Izak has said he knew it was not acceptable. Adelaide have said they know it is not acceptable.

“In an AFL environment, this behaviour is not acceptable.

“Homophobia has no place in football. The suspension is significant, but stamping out vilification in our game is incredibly important. Everyone in football understands the rules, and there are consequences of breaching them.

“We recognise this is a challenging time for the players and clubs involved and appropriate support has been offered.

“But our responsibility is also to every player, official and fan who deserves respect when they come to our game. In 2025, the players know this more than anyone.

“We know people in the LGBTQI+ community and allies hurt when an incident like this happens. One incident of this nature is too many and the fact there have been multiple this year shows we still have more work to do and we are committed to that.”

The AFL added it will “continue to consider the specific circumstances in each incident in determining appropriate responses”.

Rankine’s game against the Pies last weekend will be his last for 2025. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Crows chief executive Tim Silvers said the club was extremely disappointed with Rankine’s behaviour and the language he used.

“Such language is unacceptable and at odds with the values of our organisation and we are committed to being a club that fosters a respectful and inclusive environment,” Silvers said.

“We are obviously frustrated and disappointed, however, player welfare is always a priority and we will provide Izak with the appropriate support and education.”

It is a brutal blow for the Crows as they push for their first premiership since 1998.

Adelaide concludes its regular season against the Kangaroos in Melbourne on Saturday.

With a top-two spot secured ahead of round 24, the Crows are perfectly placed for a tilt at the flag, but will now need to do so without one of their most important players.

AFL’s previous bans for offensive slurs

This is the sixth such offence since the beginning of last year involving slurs, with the AFL slowly trending towards harsher bans as shown below:

Jeremy Finlayson (April, 2024) – three-game suspension

Wil Powell (May, 2024) – five-game suspension

Lance Collard (July, 2024) – six-game suspension

Jack Graham (July, 2025) – four-game suspension

Riak Andrew (July, 2025) – five-game suspension