Soccer star apologizes after hurling homophobic insult at rival

Port Adelaide forward Jeremy Finlayson has formally apologized for making a homophobic slur during his team’s win over Essendon as he awaits the outcome of an AFL investigation.

The incident occurred during the third quarter of the Power’s 69-point victory over the Bombers at Adelaide Oval during the Gather Round.

“I take full responsibility for what occurred on Friday night,” Finlayson said in a statement issued by Port Adelaide on Sunday.

‘The word I used is very unacceptable in football. “We need to end this and I am very sorry.”

It is understood that a referee’s microphone picked up the insult and several players heard it.

Finlayson made the comment during Port Adelaide’s win over Essendon

Port Adelaide said Finlayson informed the club about the comment during the three-quarter break and spoke to the victim on the field to apologize after the final siren.

“I knew immediately it was not acceptable and I take full responsibility,” Finlayson 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.”

The AFL Integrity Unit investigation is ongoing.

“We have to go through a process, talk to everyone involved, but Jeremy came out, admitted making the comment and apologised,” AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon told Channel Nine.

The Port Adelaide forward said he is educating himself “to get better”.

‘So now we just have to determine what the responsibility will be.

“I don’t want to put too much time on it, but it will be ready this week.”

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*******er’ during the practice match.