Adelaide Crows star Izak Rankine is under investigation by the AFL’s integrity unit after allegedly using a homophobic slur during the team’s victory over Collingwood on Saturday night. The league confirmed on Monday that inquiries are being made into the on-field incident.
A league spokesperson stated: “The AFL is aware of an alleged matter with the Integrity Unit making enquiries.” Adelaide have acknowledged the investigation, with a club spokesperson saying: “We are aware of an alleged matter involving one of our players in Saturday night’s game and we are in discussions with the AFL.”
The Crows defeated the Magpies to secure their first finals appearance since 2017 and maintain top spot with one round remaining in the home and away season. Rankine has been instrumental in Adelaide’s resurgence, averaging 20.5 disposals and kicking 31 goals this season after the club finished 15th last year.
If found guilty, Rankine could face a suspension that would rule him out of the finals series. The AFL has imposed bans of three to five matches in recent seasons for similar conduct, including a four-match suspension on West Coast’s Jack Graham last month for a homophobic slur against a GWS opponent.
Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson said: “It’s obviously in the AFL’s hands and we will let them investigate and see what happens.” Rankine has yet to play in an AFL final after four seasons at Gold Coast before joining Adelaide at the end of 2022.
