AFL's Lance Collard Receives Reduced Suspension for Homophobic Slur
AFL player Lance Collard’s ‘crippling’ ban for allegedly using homophobic slur slashed on appeal
The Guardian
Image: The Guardian
Lance Collard, a forward for St Kilda in the Australian Football League (AFL), has had his initial seven-week suspension for using a homophobic slur reduced to two weeks following an appeal. The AFL appeal board deemed the original penalty excessively harsh, considering Collard's age and background.
- 01Lance Collard's suspension reduced from seven weeks to two weeks for using a homophobic slur.
- 02The AFL appeal board found the initial penalty excessively harsh, considering Collard's age and background.
- 03Collard has a history of similar offenses, previously banned for six games in 2024.
- 04St Kilda expressed disappointment with the charge but welcomed the reduced sanction.
- 05The AFL maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards homophobic language in the sport.
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Lance Collard, a 21-year-old forward for St Kilda in the Australian Football League (AFL), has received a two-week suspension after an appeal reduced his initial seven-week ban for using a homophobic slur during a VFL match. The AFL appeal board, led by Will Houghton KC, upheld the finding of conduct unbecoming but deemed the original penalty excessively harsh, stating it would have a 'crippling' effect on Collard's career. Collard, who denied the allegation, had previously admitted to using the same slur in 2024, resulting in a six-game suspension. The board acknowledged Collard's age, Indigenous heritage, and difficult background in their decision. St Kilda expressed disappointment over the upheld charge but welcomed the reduced sanction, emphasizing the need for consistency in the AFL’s tribunal processes. The AFL reiterated its commitment to eradicating homophobic language from the sport, highlighting its educational efforts for players. Collard's two-week suspension will run concurrently with a separate two-match ban he received for striking during the same fixture.
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Collard's reduced suspension allows him to return to play sooner, which is crucial for his career development in professional football.
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