Brisbane Lions player under investigation for alleged homophobic slur
Updated ,first published
Your daily football news package in today’s AFL Briefing:
- Gold Coast pair Sam Clohesy and Ben Long learn the fate of AFL match review.
- Brisbane Lions player Koby Evans is under investigation by the AFL for allegedly making a homophobic remark while playing in the VFL.
Two-match ban for dangerous tackle
A lower-than-usual impact grade led to Gold Coast provider Sam Clohesy being handed a just two-match AFL ban for the dangerous tackle that rattled GWS winger Ryan Angwin.
And Clohesy Suns teammate Ben Long escaped with two separate fines for strike and misconduct following a heated argument with Giants new player Clayton Oliver.
Clohesy was blamed for his rough tackle on Angwin during Gold Coast’s 20-point win at People First Stadium on Sunday.
Angwin had one arm free when he crashed to the ground and hit his head on the grass. The 23-year-old stood up with the help of Giants coaches and quickly walked off the field, but was removed from the game shortly after with a concussion.
The AFL match review officer (MRO) felt Clohesy breached his duty of care to Angwin but rated the incident as “high” impact rather than the usual “serious” rating.
“Whilst a careless act that causes a concussion is generally rated as a violent impact, the MRO’s view in assessing the incident was that there were factors associated with the impact that were more consistent with a lower impact rating,” the AFL said in a statement.
AAP
‘Extremely regretful:’ AFL investigation into Lion’s alleged homophobic remarks
Sam McClure and Scott Spits
Brisbane Lions player Koby Evans is under investigation by the AFL after allegedly making a homophobic remark while playing in the VFL on Saturday.
The AFL has confirmed that the league’s integrity unit was made aware of an alleged incident during a match between the Lions and Coburg.
“We have been made aware of a matter arising from the VFL sixth round match between Coburg and the Brisbane Lions which has been referred to the AFL integrity unit,” the AFL said in a statement.
Evans was selected by the Lions with the 38th overall pick last year.
The Lions confirmed the AFL was looking into the matter.
“The club is aware of the incident and is working with Coburg and the AFL on this matter,” Brisbane said in a statement. he said.
“The club confirmed that the player apologized repeatedly on the pitch and after the match.
“The actor is extremely remorseful and takes full responsibility.
“The club is disappointed that this incident occurred while we support and educate the player.”
The alleged incident follows a lengthy investigation and court process involving St Kilda player Lance Collard, who refused to say “fuck you” to an opponent in the VFL.
Collard was initially given a nine-week suspension, which was effectively reduced to two weeks by the AFL Appeals Board.
The AFL later dismissed appeals panel chairman Will Houghton, rejecting KC’s reasoning that it was “commonplace” for players to use racial, homophobic or sexist language at the game’s most competitive levels.
The investigation into Evans’ alleged remarks marks the eighth time the AFL has dealt with an incident in the past three years where homophobic language was allegedly used.
Collard was previously suspended for six matches for a homophobic slur.
Adelaide star Izak Rankine was suspended for four matches at the end of last season, which ruled him out of the Crows’ finals campaign.
Sydney’s Riak Andrews, West Coast’s Jack Graham, Port Adelaide’s Jeremy Finlayson and Gold Coast’s Wil Powell have previously been banned for homophobic language.
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Sam McClure is an award-winning AFL journalist and broadcaster.Connect with: X or email.
