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Full Noise by SN
Important update on 1476AMAFLPA expresses deep concern over Appeals Board statement
SEN • April 24th, 2026 6:30 pm
The AFLPA are 'deeply concerned' over the AFL Appeals Board's reasoning behind the reduction of Lance Collard's suspension.
After being handed a nine-game suspension for using a homophobic slur during St Kilda's Round 2 VFL clash against Frankston by the Tribunal, the decision was taken to the AFL Appeals Board.
From there, the board believed that the decision was "manifestly excessive" and thus chose to slash the ban to four games (two of which will be suspended).
This was based on their belief that a large suspension would end Collard's professional football career and that, on occasion, it can be 'commonplace' for racial, sexist or homophobic slurs to be used on the football field.
In a statement from the player's association, CEO James Gallagher took umbrage with the AFL Appeals Board's decision.
“We are deeply concerned by statements made by the AFL Appeals Board when arriving at its decision on Thursday night," it read.
"The AFLPA does not accept the suggestion that vilification is "commonplace" on the field between players. No matter how hard or competitive the game is, there is no excuse for racist, sexist, or homophobic language and this language is hurtful to communities beyond the individual it is directed at.
"Every step of this process has caused more harm to the LGBTQIA+ community, the First Nations community, and the individuals at the centre of this issue and that is something the industry must deeply reflect on. We have a shared responsibility to develop an approach that is fair, minimises and remedies the harms caused, and shifts behaviour.
"Football is for everyone and all players and the AFLPA remain committed to playing our part in building a culture where everyone is valued, respected, and safe.”
