St Kilda teenager Lance Collard will serve a six-game ban after directing “unprompted and highly offensive homophobic slurs” towards two opponents during a VFL match. The 19-year-old, who has played three senior games since being drafted last year, was representing St Kilda’s VFL affiliate Sandringham when the incident occurred.
Collard admitted using the slur and apologised on Wednesday. “I am incredibly remorseful for my comments and any hurt they may have caused,” he said. “I’m disappointed in myself and fully accept the consequences for my behaviour.” The suspension ends any chance of him playing in the AFL again this season.
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon insisted the league does not have a homophobia problem, despite Collard becoming the third player suspended for such slurs this year. “I don’t think we do,” Dillon said. “But I think language of the type that has been used is not acceptable in any forum, let alone the footy field.” He warned that sanctions for homophobic slurs would increase until the behaviour is eliminated from the game.
Earlier this year, Gold Coast’s Wil Powell was suspended for five games and Port Adelaide’s Jeremy Finlayson for three games for similar offences. Both players apologised and were required to complete Pride in Sport training. Collard will also undertake this training at his own cost.
