St Kilda livewire Lance Collard has been hit with a season-ending ban after being found guilty by the AFL of making multiple homophobic comments in a VFL game.
The 19-year-old has been accused of making several slurs during a match involving St Kilda's VFL affiliate Sandringham.
With the investigation ongoing, The Sporting News has all the details.
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What alleged homophobic slurs did Lance Collard make?
Collard allegedly made multiple homophobic comments towards Williamstown players while playing for Sandringham in Saturday's VFL game at DSV Stadium.
It is alleged Collard used the word 'f****t' up to 10 times in the match amongst other homophobic slurs.
#BREAKING 🚨 St Kilda AFL player Lance Collard suspended for six games for homophobic comments during a VFL game, including reportedly saying "f*****" up to 10 times: Nine
— 6 News Australia (@6NewsAU) July 17, 2024
Will Lance Collard be suspended for alleged homophobic slurs?
It was confirmed on Wednesday that Collard would receive a lengthy ban for his offences, with the youngster hit with a six-game ban for his homophobic comments over the weekend.
In a statement, the AFL's General Counsel Stephen Meade said, "the AFL is very clear that homophobia has no place in our game, nor in society. We want everyone to feel safe playing in our game and Collard’s behaviour does not help this.
"As a code we will continue to work together to improve our game as a safe and inclusive environment for all."
St Kilda stated they were 'thoroughly disappointed' with Collard's action, with Executive General Manager of Football David Misson saying, "There is no excuse for what Lance said... At St Kilda we have a strong policy of supporting the person but challenging the behaviour. Lance’s behaviour in this instance is totally unacceptable, but we will also be strong in our support and education for Lance.
"We have met with Lance and made sure he understands the seriousness of the situation and the depths to which comments of this nature can cause harm.
"We have spoken to Pride Cup, a long-term partner of the club, who will continue to support the club and now look to provide additional education to Lance and the rest of our playing group to ensure that this never happens again."
He will be ineligible to play in both the AFL and VFL competitions for the duration of his ban.
Recent AFL suspensions for homophobic slurs
Two AFL players and a coach have been suspended for making homophobic comments in 2024.
North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson was fined $20,000 and given a suspended two-game sanction for comments made to St Kilda players in a pre-season match.
Port Adelaide forward Jeremy Finlayson was banned for three matches after a slur during Gather Round was investigated.
Gold Coast flanker Wil Powell copped a five-game suspension for a comment made in the Q-clash in May.
Lance Collard's AFL career
West Coast academy product Collard was selected by St Kilda with pick 28 in the first-round of the 2023 AFL National Draft.
The small forward made his debut for the Saints in round one and has played three AFL games in his debut season.
Collard is the leading goalkicker at St Kilda's VFL affiliate Sandringham with 15 goals in 11 games.
According to AFL.com.au last week, Collard was closing in on a two-year contract extension that would keep him a Saint until the end of 2027.
