Brisbane Lions player Koby Evans has acknowledged that his choice of words was “completely unacceptable” after being handed a four-match suspension for making a homophobic remark directed at an opponent during a VFL match.
Evans was deemed guilty of conduct unbecoming, and the AFL confirmed that the duration of his suspension aligns with penalties imposed on players who have reported similar incidents themselves.
AFL Chief Operating Officer Tom Harley emphasized that players are well-informed about the standards of behavior expected both on and off the field.
The 18-year-old Evans is now barred from participating in any matches in both the AFL and VFL during rounds nine through twelve and will also engage in educational programs focused on LGBTQI+ inclusion.
“My language was completely unacceptable; I am disappointed in myself and extend my apologies to the LGBTQI+ community as well as our club,” Evans stated through a release from the Lions. “I realized immediately after my comment that I had made a serious error, and such language is intolerable both on and off the field.”
The AFL issued a statement affirming that homophobia and derogatory language have “no place in our sport at any level.” Harley remarked, “Our players possess a clear understanding of what is deemed acceptable in football and society. Koby has taken responsibility for this incident, both privately and publicly.”
“It is very disappointing to address yet another incident of this kind. While we will consider the specific circumstances involved, we must stress that respect and inclusion are fundamental principles in our game and not optional.”
This incident comes on the heels of controversy surrounding St Kilda player Lance Collard, who received a nine-week suspension (with two weeks suspended) for a similar offense during a VFL match against Frankston. Following an appeal, his suspension was reduced to four weeks, with two weeks suspended.
The AFL dismissed Appeals Board chair Will Houghton KC after the board concluded that the original penalty was excessive, citing that football is a “highly competitive” environment where derogatory language can sometimes occur. Nonetheless, the AFL firmly disagreed with the Appeals Board’s assessment, asserting that stronger actions are not only warranted but essential.
