AFL Players’ Association CEO James Gallagher on Lance Collard’s homophobic slur ban

A disappointed AFL Players’ Association has called for “a more effective and united approach” after Lance Collard’s nine-week ban for the use of a homophobic slur.

The St Kilda forward was sanctioned on Tuesday, receiving nine weeks with two of them suspended at season’s end for calling his VFL opponent a “f***ing f****t”.

Collard maintained his innocence and his defence argued a suspension – despite being his second offence – could ruin his life.

The APLA wrote a letter to the tribunal panel, which was read silently by each panellist before it deliberated his sanction.

AFLPA chief executive James Gallagher released a statement on Wednesday, saying it would continue to support Collard.

“The industry remains aligned in wanting to rid the game of homophobia, but this process again highlights the need for a more effective and united approach,” Gallagher said.

“The Tribunal has, rightly, acknowledged that ‘issues such as racism and homophobia are difficult and sensitive issues and the manner of dealing with them is not enhanced if the starting point is a fierce debate over whether the words were used’.

“Lance has maintained his innocence, and this has been consistent throughout. We’re disappointed the Tribunal did not accept that evidence. We’ll continue to fully support him and the club through this process including exploring any options to appeal.

“A holistic solution that doesn’t focus solely on punitive measures can only be realised through meaningful engagement with LGBTIQA+ community leaders, education that reflects diverse backgrounds and experiences of players, alongside a disciplinary process that is fit for purpose, minimises and remedies the harms caused and shifts behaviour.

“Through the CBA, the AFLPA negotiated a shared commitment with the AFL to equality, inclusion and safety and we continue to progress these commitments in making the game safer and more inclusive for everyone. We also acknowledge the impact this process has had on everyone involved, including the LGBTIQA+ community, the First Nations community, and Lance and his family.”

Collard is already serving a two-match suspension for a high hit during the same VFL match against Frankston.