Berliner Tageblatt - Appeal board says homophobia 'commonplace' in Aussie Rules

St Kilda's Lance Collard was suspended for nine weeks this month after a tribunal found he insulted an opponent with an "entirely unacceptable" homophobic slur.

The 21-year-old was sanctioned in 2024 for making a similar comment.

But late Thursday an appeals board reduced the latest penalty on the grounds it was "excessive", and argued that Aussie Rules was a "hard game" and "highly competitive".

"It is commonplace that players can employ language from time to time which is racist, sexist or homophobic whilst on the field," it said.

The comments sparked outrage.

"The AFL strongly rejects the statement not only that such language is commonplace, but also any implication that may be a factor in determining the severity of the sanction," CEO Andrew Dillon said.

"We will not accept, excuse or normalise behaviour and language that demeans, discriminates or vilifies people based on who they are."

Australian Rules, a dynamic kicking and passing game similar to Gaelic football, is the country's most popular spectator sport.

It has long been marred by incidents of homophobia and racism.

Pundit and former AFL Women's player Kate McCarthy said on social media she was "genuinely speechless" by the appeal board's comments.

"So much for every policy in the AFL saying there's zero tolerance," she said.

"This is disgusting."

J.Fankhauser--BTB