The Rainbow Crows, an LGBTQ+ supporter group for Adelaide Football Club, have condemned rising homophobia online following Izak Rankine’s suspension for using a homophobic slur during a match against Collingwood.
After days of speculation, the AFL confirmed last Thursday that Rankine would serve a four-match ban. He was reported for calling a Collingwood player a “fa**ot” during a heated on-field exchange.
Initial reports suggested Rankine could miss the rest of the season with a five-game suspension, but Adelaide lobbied for a reduced penalty, submitting medical evidence and its own internal review. The AFL ultimately handed down a four-game ban.
Rainbow Crows issue statement
In a statement shared on social media, the Rainbow Crows said:
“We are deeply concerned and disappointed that not only has another homophobic slur been used by another AFL player, but that it has happened in our club.”
They stressed that while Rankine may not have intended the slur as a direct attack, its wider use reinforces damaging cultural norms:
“When a player directs a homophobic slur, it is less likely to offend the player it is aimed at, but the LGBTQIA+ community. Research shows this language sends a clear message that queer people are seen as ‘lesser’.”
The group called for the AFL’s Pride in Sport and other education programs to be made mandatory across all clubs.
“There is no excuse for using slurs that insult or disrespect a whole group of people for simply being who they are.”
AFL’s stance
Earlier this year, the AFL confirmed that all 787 players and 3,232 officials had completed a new LGBTQI+ education module. Tanya Hosch, AFL EGM of Inclusion and Social Policy, told ABC Sport:
“It’s our responsibility to make sure the game is safe for everyone — not just at the elite level, but at all levels of the game.”
Social media backlash
The controversy has also fuelled a spike in homophobic remarks online, according to the Rainbow Crows. They revealed a surge of hateful comments on posts related to the AFLW, especially around same-sex player announcements such as marriages and births.
“These past four days have seen a large increase in homophobic remarks on our social media posts. Social media can be fantastic for celebrating players’ milestones, but when it involves two AFLW players, it always attracts hate and must be heavily moderated or comments switched off.”
Despite the vitriol, many commentators and AFL voices have reaffirmed that there is no place for homophobia in football.
The Rainbow Crows said they hope Rankine and the Adelaide Football Club will use the incident to create meaningful change.
“We look forward to helping them however we can to ensure this happens as a matter of urgency.”
