AFL suspends Port Adelaide utility Jeremy Finlayson for three games following homophobic slur

The AFL has handed down its verdict following Jeremy Finlayson’s homophobic slur against an Essendon player during Gather Round.

Port Adelaide’s Jeremy Finlayson has been suspended for three games after the utility uttered a gay slur against an Essendon player. Picture: Michael Klein

Jeremy Finlayson has been whacked with a three-match ban for his homophobic slur directed at an Essendon player last weekend.

The Port Adelaide forward was hauled in front of the AFL Integrity Unit on Tuesday as the league pondered a sanction for his comments.

This masthead revealed on Monday that Finlayson called a Bombers player a “f … t” during the third quarter of Port Adelaide’s victory at Gather Round.

It was picked up by the umpires’ microphone, with Essendon players also calling it out.

Port Adelaide’s Jeremy Finlayson has been suspended for three games after the utility uttered a gay slur against an Essendon player. Picture: Michael Klein

But despite Finlayson showing remorse for his comments, apologising to the player and taking responsibility, he will miss the games against Fremantle, Collingwood and St Kilda.

He will also need to undertake a Pride in Sport education program, which will be paid for by himself.

“I knew straight away that it was not acceptable and I take full responsibility,” he said in a statement after the match.

“I addressed it at the time and … let everyone know what happened, and it’s now in the hands of the AFL to investigate.

“I’m continuing to reflect and improve myself, getting all the education I can to make myself better.”

Finlayson said he accepted the sanction.

“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 behavior and seeking education to improve myself and understand the impact such comments can have on the broader community.”

David Koch chairman has spoken after Finlayson was suspended for three games. Picture: Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images.

Port Adelaide chairman David Koch said the club would offer Finlayson education and support.

“On behalf of the Port Adelaide Football Club, I extend an apology to the Essendon player, the Port Adelaide community of members and supporters and the LGBTQIA+ community,” he said.

“What was said is totally unacceptable and comments of this nature do not align with what our club stands for. Port Adelaide is a place for everyone so we are very disappointed with what occurred on Friday night.

“Importantly, Jeremy self-reported and apologised to the player on the night and has publicly expressed his remorse.

“We will now provide education for Jeremy and offer him and his family support during this time.

“We do not underestimate the seriousness of this matter and look forward to the AFL applying consistency to such cases in the future.”