Essendon forward Kyle Langford has condemned Jeremy Finlayson’s use of a homophobic slur as the Port Adelaide forward awaits the outcome of an AFL investigation into the matter.
Finlayson directed a homophobic slur towards an Essendon player during the third quarter of the Power’s 69-point win over the Bombers at Adelaide Oval on Friday night.
The 28-year-old acknowledged and apologized to the target for his insult after the match, and on Sunday he formally apologized, describing his choice of words as “unacceptable.”
Langford said on Monday night he was aware of the insult made towards one of his teammates and hoped the AFL would “deal with it”.
“I have an opinion on it but I can’t say much because it’s under investigation by the AFL and I’m sure they’ll deal with it appropriately,” Langford said on 3AW.
“But any type of homophobic language is simply not acceptable in today’s game or even in society, so that will be addressed.
“I am very close to many people in the LGBTIQ community and have worked a lot with the Purple Bombers.
“It should be no different than any kind of racial slur.
“It is not acceptable and Jeremy [Finlayson] “He’s acknowledged it, good for him, but the AFL will deal with it.”
Langford said he was at the opposite end of the field where Finlayson made his comment on Friday night.
On Monday, the Bombers forward was asked if his teammate was injured in the incident.
“Regardless of whether he was hurt or not, it was not acceptable,” Langford said.
“I can’t talk much about that.”
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon confirmed the league’s investigation will be completed before the next round of games, which begin on Thursday.
AAP
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