Adelaide Crows star Izak Rankine has been suspended for four matches by the AFL for using a homophobic slur during Saturday’s game against Collingwood. The ban, which could have been five games, leaves the door open for Rankine to play in the grand final if the Crows lose a final en route to the decider.
The AFL considered 'compelling medical submissions' in reaching the verdict, according to CEO Andrew Dillon, who declined to elaborate on the nature of those submissions. Dillon described Rankine’s language as 'offensive, hurtful and highly inappropriate' and said the player was paying a 'significant price'.
Rankine did not self-report but later contacted the Collingwood player to apologise and cooperated with the investigation. In a statement, he said: 'I regret using the word and I am very sorry for doing so... It was a mistake and I have apologised to the Collingwood player.'
The ban mirrors the four matches given to West Coast’s Jack Graham earlier this season for a similar offence, but is less severe than the five-game suspension handed to Sydney’s Riak Andrew. AFL general counsel Stephen Meade reiterated the league's zero-tolerance policy, saying 'homophobia has no place in football'.
Rankine, 25, has averaged 20.5 disposals and kicked 31 goals this season as the Crows secured a top-two finish and a return to finals for the first time since 2017. His absence will be felt during September, though the club's premiership hopes remain alive.
