In short:
St Kilda’s Lance Collard could face a lengthy suspension for alleged homophobic slurs towards opponents in a VFL game.
Collard is the third AFL player this season to be investigated over homophobic language, with Kangaroos coach Alastair Clarkson also investigated.
What’s next?
A VFL spokesperson has confirmed the AFL integrity unit is investigating an incident.
The AFL is investigating St Kilda youngster Lance Collard over alleged homophobic slurs directed towards opponents in a VFL game.
First-year player Collard, who has played three senior games since he being drafted by St Kilda at pick number 28 last year, is the third AFL player to be accused of homophobia this season.
The 19-year-old forward allegedly directed homophobic abuse towards multiple Williamstown opponents when playing for St Kilda’s VFL affiliate Sandringham on Saturday.
“The league is aware of a matter from Saturday’s match between Williamstown and Sandringham and the AFL integrity unit are now investigating,” a VFL spokesperson said.
The AFL would not confirm Collard was the player being investigated.
A lengthy suspension seemingly looms for Collard.
In May, Gold Coast defender Wil Powell was suspended for five games for directing a homophobic slur towards a Brisbane opponent.
Port Adelaide’s Jeremy Finlayson was suspended for three games in April and required to complete Pride in Sport training following his homophobic verbal abuse of an Essendon player.
North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson was fined $20,000 and received a suspended two-game ban for his pre-season tirade towards St Kilda duo Jimmy Webster and Dougal Howard.
Clarkson was also required to complete Pride in Sport training.
AAP
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