Brisbane Lions player Koby Evans is being investigated by the AFL following allegations he used a homophobic slur during a VFL match against Coburg on Saturday.
The alleged incident comes just one week after another high-profile case involving homophobic language on the field, adding to growing scrutiny around homophobia in Australian rules football.
The matter reportedly occurred during Brisbane’s VFL clash with Coburg and has since been referred to the AFL Integrity Unit.
Evans, 18, was selected by Brisbane with pick 38 in the 2025 AFL Draft and has yet to make his AFL debut. He has played five VFL matches for Brisbane this season.
A Brisbane Lions spokesperson confirmed the club was aware of the allegation and was working with Coburg and the AFL.
“The club is aware of the incident and has been working with Coburg and the AFL on it.
“The club has confirmed the player has apologised multiple times — on field and again post-match. The player is extremely remorseful and takes full responsibility.
“The club is disappointed the incident has occurred while supporting and educating the player.”
The AFL has confirmed the allegation has been referred to its Integrity Unit for investigation.
The case is the latest in a string of incidents involving alleged homophobic language across Australian rules football in recent seasons. Players including Lance Collard, Izak Rankine, Jeremy Finlayson and Wil Powell have all previously received sanctions for similar incidents.
Last month, Collard was found guilty of calling an opposing VFL player a “fucking faggot”, marking the second time in three seasons the 21-year-old had been found guilty of using homophobic language during a match.
Collard was initially handed a seven-week suspension, which was later controversially reduced to two weeks following an appeal.
The chair of the appeals board, Will Houghton KC, attracted significant criticism for his comments explaining the decision.
“We observe that football is a hard game. It is highly competitive, particularly at its higher levels. It is commonplace that players can employ language from time to time which is racist, sexist or homophobic whilst on the field.”
The backlash prompted AFL boss Andrew Dillon to publicly reject the appeals board’s reasoning.
“The AFL specifically rejects the appeals board’s reasoning… let’s be clear — homophobia has no place in Australian football. Not at any level. Not under any circumstances.”
The AFL later announced Houghton had been removed from the appeals board, effective immediately.
The latest allegation involving Evans is likely to further intensify debate about how the AFL responds to homophobic language, player education, and accountability within the sport.
