AFL’s Izak Rankine granted reduced suspension for ‘medical’ reasons after using homophobic slur

AFL player Izak Rankine has been granted a reduced suspension for “medical” reasons, after it was confirmed that he used a homophobic slur. 

The Adelaide Football Club, which the player currently represents, confirmed in a press release on Thursday (21 August) that Rankine used an anti-gay slur last week during the Crows’ game against Collingwood Football Club.

His club reported the incident to the AFL last weekend, and the League’s Integrity Unit investigated the midfielder. Rankine was delivered a four-match ban, instead of the previously proposed five-game suspension, which allows him to potentially feature again this season. 

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon told reporters on Thursday that the Adelaide Football Club made a “compelling medical submission” on behalf of Rankine, which brought his initial five-game suspension down. Dillon did not detail the medical considerations. 

Adelaide CEO Tim Silvers also declined to comment on the medical considerations to reporters, but said that he was a “little nervous for him”. 

“He put himself into this position, and he’s deeply remorseful and regrets what he said, but he’s doing it pretty tough,” Silvers said, In Daily reported. “He basically hasn’t left his house for the last few days,” he claimed. 

“We’re going to support him, we’re going to care for him. Yes, we understand he did the wrong thing. But he’s still part of our extended family and we’ll support him through this.”

‘That type of language has no place in football or the community’

Rankine said via the press release: “I regret using the word and I am very sorry for doing so, and that type of language has no place in football or the community.

“It was a mistake and I have apologised to the Collingwood player, and what happened does not reflect my values or those of the Club.

“I’m committed to educating myself and being better.”

Silvers added in the press release: “Such language is unacceptable and at odds with the values of our organisation, and we are committed to being a Club that fosters a respectful and inclusive environment.

“We are obviously frustrated and disappointed; however, player welfare is always a priority, and we will provide Izak with the appropriate support and education.”

Rankine becomes the sixth player to be suspended after using a homophobic slur on the field in the past 16 months. The incident follows West Coast Eagles’ Jack Graham, who was handed a four-match ban after using a homophobic slur in July. 

Three AFL players were suspended for using homophobic slurs last year, including Port Adelaide player Jeremy Finlayson, who accepted a three-match ban, and Gold Coast’s Wil Powell, who received a five-match ban.

St Kilda’s Lance Collard received a six-match penalty that year, too, marking the longest suspension in AFL history.

Rankine is ‘not the victim in this’

However, his coach Matthew Nicks argued that Rankine is “not the victim in this. And by no means do we want that to be looked at that way – and he knows that”.

Nicks told reporters on Friday (22 August) that the player “has got some great support around him” and “has acknowledged where he went wrong and he’s worked his way through that in the right manner.

“He understands that we have got to be better in that space… No one is making excuses. No one is arguing that there shouldn’t have been a penalty. 

“We know we have to be better in that space. And we’re educated around that. Staff, players, everyone within the football club, is educated around why [and] what it is we’re trying to change in society.

“We know we have to be better in that space. And we’re educated around that. Staff, players, everyone within the football club, is educated around why [and] what it is we’re trying to change in society.

“We didn’t get it right on this occasion. We will continue to educate.”

‘A wider, ingrained problem used to demean or intimidate others’

Adelaide Football Club LGBTQ+ supporter group Rainbow Crows said it was “deeply concerned and disappointed” to hear about Rankine’s behaviour, which was uttered “in our club”. 

“When a player directs a homophobic slur, it is less likely to offend the player it is aimed at, but the LGBTQIA+ community,” the group said on Instagram.

“We understand that while the slur was not necessarily made as a genuine example of homophobia from Izak, research indicates a wider, ingrained problem of the term being used to demean or intimidate others. This sends a clear message that queer people are seen as ‘lesser.’”

The statement continued: “The AFL has been very clear on their position on using homophobic language, yet it is still happening. This demonstrates that there is still work to be done in this area.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rainbow Crows (@rainbowadelaidecrows)

“When slurs like this are used, it gives power for others to mimic and assume that if the celebrity or sports star they idolise and look up to can use them, then it’s ok for them to use them too.”

The group said it worked with the club and is “hopeful that Izak and the AFC will learn from this incident and use it to make much-needed improvements”.

“We look forward to helping them however we can to ensure this happens as a matter of urgency.”

Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.