Port Adelaide forward Jeremy Finlayson admitted making a homophobic slur during his team’s win over Essendon and is under investigation by the AFL.
Finlayson apologized for the incident, which occurred in the third period of Port’s 69-point win over the Bombers on Friday night at Adelaide Oval.
It is understood that a referee’s microphone picked up the insult and at least one Essendon player also shouted it.
The Power said in a press release that Finlayson will make a statement on Sunday, and that the target of the insult has not yet been identified.
“A remorseful Finlayson made the club aware during the three-quarter break and apologized to the victim on the field after the final siren last night,” Power said.
“Finlayson, who will be advised by club officials in the coming days, will give a statement tomorrow.
“The club will now wait for the AFL to complete its investigation.”
The AFL also confirmed on Saturday night that Finlayson was under investigation.
“We are taking this matter very seriously,” an AFL spokesperson said.
“AFLIU [integrity unit] “We are now investigating and will provide an update once the investigation is complete.”
Last month, North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson was fined $20,000 and suspended for two games for abusing St Kilda defenders Jimmy Webster and Dougal Howard during a pre-season match.
Clarkson was asked to explain his actions to the AFL after allegedly using the homophobic slur “c*** s*****” during the practice match.
AAP
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