Footy star Jeremy Finlayson learns his punishment from the AFL after hitting rival with a disgraceful homophobic slur

Port Adelaide forward Jeremy Finlayson has been given a three-game suspension after admitting to making a homophobic slur towards an unnamed Essendon player.

The AFL deemed Finlayson used an ‘unprompted and highly offensive’ remark during the third quarter of the Power’s 69-point win against the Bombers on Friday night.

As well as missing three games, Finlayson will be required to attend a Pride In Sport training program that he will have to pay for himself.

In determining the sanction, the AFL took into account the 28-year-old apologising and owning up to his mistake the following day.

The Port veteran (pictured with wife Kellie) may well have copped a longer ban had he not apologised for his outburst soon after the match

‘Everyone, including Jeremy understands the word he used is both hurtful and totally unacceptable in any setting, ever,’ AFL general counsel Stephen Meade said.

‘The AFL is very clear that homophobia has no place in our game, nor in society.

‘We want all people in LGBTQI+ communities to feel safe playing or attending our games and we know the incident that happened on the weekend does not assist this goal.

‘As a code we will continue to work together to improve our game as a safe and inclusive environment for all.

‘The AFL will continue to consider the specific circumstances in each incident in determining appropriate responses.

‘Jeremy’s sanction would have been higher if he didn’t immediately understand and take ownership of his mistake both privately and publicly.’

The 28-year-old will also have to attend a Pride In Sport training program that he will have to pay for himself as part of his punishment

Port Adelaide said they would accept the Finlayson sanction.

Last month, North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson was fined $20,000 and handed a suspended two-match ban for allegedly using a homophobic slur at St Kilda defenders Jimmy Webster and Dougal Howard during a pre-season game.

Power chairman David Koch was slammed and accused of defending homophobia when he said Clarkson’s penalty was the benchmark for the league and Finlayson shouldn’t miss any game time. 

In 2022, the NRL suspended Warriors winger Marcelo Montoya for four matches after directing a homophobic slur at North Queensland star Kyle Feldt.

The NRL wanted a six-week ban, but took Montoya’s previous good record, the remorse he had shown and his guilty plea into consideration.