Young Swans defender Riak Andrew cops a huge ban for using a homophobic slur

The 20-year-old Swans defender has expressed sincere remorse and will undergo an education program after using an offensive term.

Young Sydney defender Riak Andrew has copped a heavy sanction from the AFL for using a homophobic slur in last Saturday’s VFL clash with North Melbourne.

Andrew, 20, has been suspended for five games and took full responsibility for his actions, releasing a statement on behalf of the Swans.

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The brother of Gold Coast star Mac Andrew, Riak will also undertake Pride in Sport training to further his understanding of the impact of the language he used.

“I am deeply sorry for the word that I used in Saturday’s game and any hurt that it has caused,” Andrew said.

Riak Andrew (right) was handed a five-match ban for his offensive slur. (Photo by Phil Hillyard)

“While I did not understand the full impact of the words I used at the time, I certainly do now, and have deep regret for my actions.

“This has impacted not only our club but the broader community and for that I am truly sorry. I am committed to using this as an opportunity to learn and get better.”

The 193cm key defender was taken with the 55th pick in the 2024 AFL Draft after a strong season with the Dandenong Stingrays.

Andrew signed a contract extension with the Swans in May, taking him through to the end of the 2026 campaign.

Andrew during a Young Guns against Vic Metro match in 2024. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Blair Jackson

The AFL released a statement advising Andrew had been found guilty of breaching a Conduct Unbecoming rule in relation to an incident during the first quarter of the VFL match against the Roos at Tramway Oval.

The incident was first reported to an umpire by a North Melbourne player at the end of the first quarter and then to the AFL.

An investigation was then carried out by the AFL Integrity Unit, which determined Andrew used a “highly offensive homophobic slur towards a North Melbourne opponent, which demeans and denigrates persons regardless of their sexuality”.

Andrew is in his first year in the AFL system. (Photo by Phil Hillyard)

Andrew admitted to the incident and showed remorse, with the suspension effectively ending his first season in the AFL landscape.

AFL General Counsel Stephen Meade was clearly disappointed at having to deal with another incident of homophobic language on the footy field.

“It is important that we continue to make clear that homophobia or homophobic language has no place in our game at any level or in the wider community for that matter,” Meade said.

“It is disappointing to be dealing with another incident and while we will always examine the individual circumstances, the clear message is that this language is not acceptable in any workplace and that includes on the field of play.”