AFL to investigate violence claim made against Swans’ Elijah Taylor

The AFL will investigate serious assault allegations levelled on social media against suspended Swan Elijah Taylor.

Sydney’s Elijah Taylor is the subject of serious allegations. Picture: Phil Hillyard

The AFL will investigate serious assault allegations levelled against suspended Swan Elijah Taylor by a woman on Saturday night on social media.

Taylor, who has been banned for the rest of the season for a breach of COVID-19 rules, is expected to be interviewed by the league’s integrity unit this week.

The exact date will depend on whether Western Australian pol­ice examine the claims made on social media on the weekend by Lekahni Pearce, 18, on Instagram.

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Should police become involved in the matter, the AFL will postpone its probe of the 19-year-old, who remained in Perth following his suspension by the AFL, until it is completed.

It is understood Taylor remained in Perth with his parents when his teammates moved to Cairns for a three-game stint as a result of his season being over.

The Swans confirmed on Saturday night they are aware of the allegations made in the post, which was subsequently deleted.

“The allegations are very serious and are being treated as such. The club has notified the AFL and is not in a position to comment further,” the statement read.

The AFL are also aware of the allegations.

“The allegations are extremely serious. The AFL has been in contact with local law enforcement and will continue to provide support and assistance for all,” the statement read.

Taylor’s manager Tom Seccull said the first-year player, who has played four games, was aware of the accusations against him.

“However given the seriousness and sensitivity for those involved, we are not in a position to comment further,” he told Fox Footy. The Australian is not suggesting the allegations are true, only that they have been made.

Both Taylor and Pearce were the subject of a WA police order in August for breaching the state’s border regulations. Pearce was able to walk into the Swans accommodation in Joondalup for a rendezvous with Taylor in breach of AFL regulations and WA laws.

The Swans were fined $50,000, with half of that amount suspended, as a result of the breach which infuriated WA premier Mark McGowan.

“The AFL gave us every assurance this wouldn’t happen,” McG­owan said. “The Swans have let us down. The AFL has let us down.”

The Sydney Swans are aware of allegations made on social media regarding first year player Elijah Taylor.

— Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) September 5, 2020