Wil Powell suspended for five games for homophobic slur

Charging

“We anticipated, both publicly and privately, that after what happened at Gather Round, if a similar incident occurred, there would be greater consequences.

“There could not be a clearer message: homophobia has no place in our game or in society. We want everyone in the community to feel welcome in our game and comments like Powell’s only draw conclusions from this. As a code, as a community, we must all be better.”

The league said it would continue to consider the specific circumstances of each incident when determining any future sanctions.

He said an increase in the three-match ban imposed on Finlayson was appropriate “to reflect the AFL’s deep concern about this repetition in close proximity to the last event and to further deter such conduct in the future”.

Gold Coast said Powell informed club officials about his comment during the game and apologized to the Lions player during and immediately after the game, and again in the hours after the game.

“As soon as the word left my mouth, I knew I had made a terrible mistake,” Powell said.

“I have offered my apologies to the Brisbane player and would like to publicly apologize for my comment. I will take full responsibility for what I said.

“I know there is no place for comments of that nature and I will accept the repercussions of my actions. “I should have known better and I need to prove it with my actions in the future.”

Suns CEO Mark Evans said the club condemned Powell’s comment but would work with him on his goal of redemption.

“Wil’s comment was completely unacceptable and in no way reflects what we stand for as a football club,” Evans said.

“We have spoken to Wil to make sure he understands the seriousness of his comment and the effect comments like these can have on others. He has committed to working hard to educate himself and improve and will have the support of the club to achieve those improvements.”

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