AFL player Riak Andrew suspended after using ‘highly offensive’ homophobic slur
Riak Andrew has been suspended for a ‘highly offensive’ homophobic slur (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Riak Andrew has been suspended for a 'highly offensive' homophobic slur (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
The AFL (Australian Football League) has suspended rookie Riak Andrew after using a “highly offensive homophobic slur” against a North Melbourne opponent in a state-level match.
Sydney Swans player Riak Andrews was found guilty of using the “highly offensive homophobic slur” while playing against North Melbourne in a VFL (Victorian Football League) match 19 July.
The incident was reported to an umpire by North Melbourne during the VFL match – a league which currently operates as the state-level, second-tier competition under the Australian-wide AFL.
Andrew will be suspended from playing matches for five weeks at both the AFL and VFL level.
“It is important that we continue to make clear that homophobia or homophobic language has no place in our game at any level or in the wider community, for that matter,” AFL General Counsel Stephen Meade said on the suspension.
“It is disappointing to be dealing with another incident, and while we will always examine the individual circumstances, the clear message is that this language is not acceptable in any workplace, and that includes on the field of play.”
As well as the suspension, Andrew will undertake Pride in Sport education. He has not yet publicly commented on the suspension.
Andrew’s suspension comes just days after West Coast Eagles player Jack Graham was similarly suspended for also using a “highly offensive” homophobic slur during a recent match against a Greater Western Sydney Giants player.
Graham self-reported the incident, and was found guilty of ‘conduct unbecoming’ by an AFL integrity unit investigation. He was suspended for four matches.
Three AFL players were suspended for using homophobic slurs in 2024, including Port Adelaide player Jeremy Finlayson, who accepted a three-match ban, and Gold Coast’s Wil Powell, who was handed a five-match ban.
St Kilda’s Lance Collard received a six-match penalty that year, too, which was the longest suspension in AFL history.
Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.
