Sydney Swans listed participant Riak Andrew has been hit with a five-match ban for utilizing a homophobic slur in a VFL match in opposition to North Melbourne.
An investigation by the AFL integrity unit discovered Andrew responsible of breaching the code of conduct after his actions have been reported to the umpire by a rival participant on Saturday.
Sydney confirmed following the match that Andrew “understands the language he used is unacceptable” and had taken “full duty” for the incident.
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“I’m deeply sorry for the phrase that I utilized in Saturday’s recreation and any damage that it has brought on,” Andrew stated.
“Whereas I didn’t perceive the complete impression of the phrases I used on the time, I definitely do now, and have deep remorse for my actions.
Riak Andrew throughout a 2025 AFL neighborhood sequence match between Gold Coast Suns and Sydney Swans. by way of Getty Photos
“This has impacted not solely our membership however the broader neighborhood, and for that I’m really sorry. I’m dedicated to utilizing this as a chance to study and get higher.”
Andrew might be ineligible to characterize the Swans over the subsequent 5 weeks in each the AFL and VFL. He can even need to undertake a Satisfaction in Sport training program.
It comes simply two weeks after the AFL banned West Coast’s Jack Graham for four matches after he used a homophobic slur against GWS.
“It’s disappointing to be coping with one other incident,” AFL normal counsel Stephen Meade stated in a press release about Andrew’s ban.
“Whereas we are going to at all times look at the person circumstances, the clear message is that this language shouldn’t be acceptable in any office and that features on the sector of play.”
The league confirmed it should proceed to “construct on anti-vilification coaching” for all AFL and AFLW gamers and officers in wake of current incidents.
Andrew was recruited to the Swans on night time two of the 2024 draft after enjoying for Dandenong Stingrays. He’s the brother of Suns star Mac Andrew.
Sydney Swans chief government Tom Harley described the behaviour as disappointing.
“This behaviour doesn’t replicate the values of our membership, and we take this matter very severely,” he stated after the match on Saturday.
“Whereas it’s disappointing, we recognise that Riak is at the start of his profession and we are going to use this as a chance to supply assist and training, to make sure Riak understands the impression of his phrases.
“In a fortnight we might be enjoying within the Satisfaction Sport, a match that’s extremely necessary to our membership. We’re dedicated to making a protected, respectful, and inclusive setting.”
