- Ian Roberts has called on the AFL star to apologize to the queer community
- Port Adelaide’s Jeremy Finlayson insults Essendon player
- AFL prepares to punish key forward on Wednesday
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Gay football icon Ian Roberts believes Port Adelaide star Jeremy Finlayson must apologize to the entire queer community following his homophobic slur directed at an Essendon player during the Gather Round.
It comes as the AFL is expected to hand out its punishment to the key forward on Wednesday after he breached the code’s “unbecoming conduct” rule.
Roberts, who came out in 1995, said Finlayson’s slur was used “very specifically to attack gay men.”
He is convinced that sleds like the one Finlayson used will continue to see gay athletes hide their sexuality.
The former representative also stated that the AFL should launch a campaign promoting gay rights.
Gay football icon Ian Roberts believes Port Adelaide star Jeremy Finlayson must apologize to the entire queer community following his homophobic slur directed at an Essendon player.
It comes as the AFL is expected to hand out its punishment to the key forward (pictured) on Wednesday after he breached the code’s misconduct rule.
Finlayson (pictured) apologized to the victim after the match and acknowledged his behavior was unacceptable.
‘Until now I had yet to hear Jeremy apologize to the queer community. He apologized to the player involved, but did not apologize to the community. “It’s a reference that is often used very specifically to attack gay men,” he said. News Corporation.
“I get that you understand it’s wrong, but you need to apologize to the people who find it deeply offensive.”
That word… people don’t say it, they spit it out. As a gay man, that word is not only meant to offend you, but also hurt you. It’s almost like the ‘N’ word.
“When it comes to the AFL, words are cheap… but people pay attention to the actions of the organisations.”
Finlayson has since expressed remorse for his conduct.
“I knew immediately that it was not acceptable and I take full responsibility,” he said.
‘I addressed it at the time and… let everyone know what happened, and now it’s up to the AFL to investigate.
“I continue to reflect and improve myself, getting all the education I can to improve.”
Earlier this season, North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson was fined $20,000 and suspended for two matches for allegedly using the word ‘c**ks***er’ in a heated exchange with two St Kilda players.
In 2021, Adelaide Crows star Taylor Walker uttered a racial slur on the field, resulting in a six-game suspension and a $20,000 fine.