Gold Coast Suns player Max Knobel has been handed a four-match ban after being investigated by the AFL for using a homophobic slur on the field.
The 21-year-old will be suspended from playing in AFL rounds 14 to 17, as well as any VFL matches that take place during those rounds.
Both the Gold Coast Suns and the AFL have supported the decision, with Knobel issuing a public apology for his actions.
“I have to take responsibility for my actions”
Last weekend, it was reported that Knobel was under investigation for using a homophobic slur during a VFL match against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday 6 June.
The AFL confirmed at the time that the matter had been referred to its Integrity Unit, and that Knobel had self-reported the incident.
A decision was reached within days, with the AFL announcing his four-match ban on Friday afternoon.
“I have to take responsibility for my actions which were unacceptable. I understand the severity of what I said and the impact those comments have on a wide range of people,” Knobel said in a public statement.
“I have offered my apologies to the Brisbane player and would like to extend my sincerest apologies to those who have been impacted by my comments, particularly those as part of the LGBTIQA+ community,” he continued.
“I will accept the repercussions of my actions. It is not what I stand for as a person and I understand that I now need to prove that through my actions moving forward. I will continue to learn and educate myself in an effort to get better.”
Suns and AFL condemn language
In a statement, the Gold Coast Suns supported the AFL’s decision and said the club would work with Knobel as he educates himself further.
“Max’s actions do not align with what we stand for as a football club, and our commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment. He immediately acknowledged that it was unacceptable and was remorseful for his actions,” the club said.
“He is fully aware of the damage comments of this nature can have. He has committed to educating and bettering himself and he will have the club’s full support in those endeavours.”
AFL Chief Operating Officer Tom Harley condemned the language used and acknowledged that more work is needed to build a safe and inclusive culture across the sport.
“Respect and inclusion are fundamentals across all levels of our game and any language and behaviours that do not reflect this will not be tolerated,” Harley said.
“Homophobia and homophobic language have absolutely no place anywhere and we will continue to stamp out any conduct that does not reflect our values.”
“We acknowledge that Max has self-reported the matter and accepted ownership of his mistake, however the incident demonstrates that there is still more work to be done.
“We are committed to working together to make our game a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for all.”
Knobel’s ban follows a series of recent sanctions across the AFL and VFL over homophobic language, as the league continues to face pressure to take stronger action against abuse and discrimination in the game.
