Port Adelaide forward Jeremy Finlayson has admitted making a homophobic slur during his side’s win over Essendon and is under AFL investigation.
Finlayson has apologised for the incident, which happened in the third term of Port’s 69-point win over the Bombers on Friday night at Adelaide Oval.
It is understood an umpire’s microphone picked up the insult and at least one Essendon player also called it out.
Port said in a statement that Finlayson will make a statement on Sunday, with the target of the slur yet to be identified.
“A contrite Finlayson made the club aware during the three-quarter-time break and apologised to the victim on field after the final siren last night,” the Power said.
“Finlayson, who will be counselled by club leaders in the coming days, will provide a statement tomorrow.
“The club will now wait for the AFL to complete its investigation.”
The AFL also confirmed on Saturday night that Finlayson is under investigation.
“We are taking this matter extremely seriously,” an AFL spokesman said.
“AFLIU (integrity unit) are now investigating and we will provide an update once that investigation is completed.”
Last month, North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson was fined $20,000 and has a suspended two-match ban for abusing St Kilda defenders Jimmy Webster and Dougal Howard during a pre-season game.
Clarkson was asked to explain his actions to the AFL after allegedly using the homophobic slur “c*******er” during the practice match.
Charlie Keegan
Roar Guru
They released the audio of what Clark said and the afl admitted the umpire was wrong. They’re still saying what Finlayson allegedly said and it’s bad he deserves an 8-10 week suspension
Pedro The Fisherman
Roar Rookie
Erm … he called him a black C..t ????♂️
Shane
Roar Rookie
I agree though 6 weeks was too harsh for Walker, particularly relative to Clarko's punishment and given Clarko's form.
Shane
Roar Rookie
The other thing I find about this is the lack of empathy. His wife has stage 4 cancer. Would you rather that, or someone call you a nasty name? An immense loss of perspective in the World.
Shane
Roar Rookie
It was actually specifically about a person. It suggested that a person, because of their race, should be easier to beat. It was incredibly demeaning.
Pedro The Fisherman
Roar Rookie
Not wanting to condone what Tex said BUT it wasn’t directed at the person ????♂️. In fact the person involved didn’t (and couldn’t have) heard it. Nonetheless he got a deserved 6 matches.
Mr Murray
Roar Rookie
Clarko got a fine for seeking a player out and saying it during a break, Finlayson said it in the heat of a moment. Clarkos was worse, but because its a port player involved he'll be rubbed out for a month. Like how SPP got a month and Hewitt got a slap on the wrist and a written apology for the bruise
RT
Roar Rookie
Whatever it takes!
RT
Roar Rookie
:crying:
SPM
Roar Rookie
Fine him and move on. AFL priorities are out of whack here Homophobia out for weeks and weeks doing lines of illegal white powder nothing to see here.
Frodo
Roar Rookie
Ya still dreaming ol' timer! Always have excuses ready at hand, don't ya?
.kraM
Roar Rookie
Wouldn’t have thought so since gay marriage has been legalised
Laurie
Roar Rookie
Four tall forwards is probably one too many against Freo's defence next week anyway. If he is suspended, SPP comes straight back in bringing more pressure near the goals. And more speed.
DTM
Roar Rookie
Ban him for the rest of the season I say.
Shane
Roar Rookie
Though, then again, this is probably the mysterious "Edge" we keep hearing about.
Shane
Roar Rookie
Tex was different because it was a racial slur against a specific person's known race and it wasn't said in the heat of the moment. Most swear phrases are racist, homophobic or sexist either directly or in connotation. A lot of people use them without thinking about the connotations. It really depends on what was said, the context and why it was directed at the particular person.
Shane
Roar Rookie
I fear you're right. The AFL loves making an example, especially when PA are involved.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Not specifically saying what Clark said, either. Didn't stop them penalising Freo match points. 40 seconds would have been De Koning tap, sharked by Fyfe, handpass to Serong, to Jackson, spear to Tabs in the square. Goal.
Charlie Keegan
Roar Guru
Probably but I think he may still get off because they’re not specifically saying what he said unlike with tex
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
I offended someone in a cafe by asking for a "large flat white for a large fat white"