Sydney Swans defender Riak Andrew has been suspended for five matches after using a homophobic slur during a game last weekend.
The incident occurred in the first quarter of a VFL match against North Melbourne and was reported to an umpire at the time. Following an investigation by the AFL integrity unit, Andrew was found to have used a highly offensive anti-gay slur during the match.
"In the course of the investigation, Andrew made full admissions and was remorseful and apologetic," the AFL said in a statement.
AFL general counsel Stephen Meade said the league aimed to send a clear message that homophobic language had no place in the sport.
"It is disappointing to be dealing with another incident, and while we will always examine the individual circumstances, the clear message is that this language is not acceptable in any workplace, and that includes on the field of play."
Andrew accepted the five-week suspension and said he took full responsibility for his actions.
"I am deeply sorry for the word that I used in Saturday's game and any hurt that it has caused," Andrew said.
"While I did not understand the full impact of the words I used at the time, I certainly do now, and have deep regret for my actions.
"This has impacted not only our club but the broader community, and for that I am truly sorry. I am committed to using this as an opportunity to learn and get better."
The Sydney Swans said Andrew would undergo Pride in Sport training to "deepen his understanding of the impact of such language".
Swans chief executive Tom Harley said the club was "extremely disappointed" and took the matter seriously.
"While it is disappointing, we recognise that Riak is at the beginning of his career and we will use this as an opportunity to provide support and education, to ensure Riak understands the impact of his words," he said.
"In a fortnight we will be playing in the Pride Game, a match that is incredibly important to our club. We are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment."
The Swans will host Essendon in the annual Pride Game at the Sydney Cricket Ground on August 2.
Rainbow Swans, the club's official LGBTQIA+ supporter group, said they were saddened by the incident.
"We get asked regularly why there needs to be a Pride Game. This incident is an example, albeit sadly within our club, of the education that is still needed – and education is one of the key objectives of the Pride Game," the group said.
The Rainbow Swans said they would work closely with the club to help educate and support Andrew.
"We will use this as a chance to provide guidance on why this kind of talk is unacceptable, and in doing so hopefully build an understanding of how hurtful these comments are."
This is the second homophobic slur incident of the 2025 season. Just last week, West Coast midfielder Jack Graham was suspended for four matches.
Last season, Port Adelaide's Jeremy Finlayson received a three-match ban, Gold Coast's Wil Powell was suspended for five matches, and St Kilda's Lance Collard was banned for six.
Eliot Hastie is a senior news producer at Channel Ten, reporting on a range of general stories, specialising in foreign affairs and LGBTQ+ stories. He’s also a reporter for Gay Sydney News, where he covers LGBTQIA+ culture, politics and nightlife. He previously helped to build and launch ausbiz, Australia's only live streaming finance news channel, where he was also an executive producer and host. He has previously worked as a finance and business journalist for publications including Fintech Business, Real Estate Business and other Momentum Media titles. Eliot holds a journalism degree from the University of Westminster and brings experience in both broadcast and digital reporting. Contact Eliot: [email protected]
