Adelaide Crows star Izak Rankine given four-match ban

The four-match ban indicates that the Crows’ efforts to mitigate the punishment were successful. Rankine has also been ordered to undertake further Pride In Sport training.

The league had initially proposed a five-match ban to Adelaide, giving Rankine and the Crows the opportunity to present a case for a reduced penalty. The Crows responded on Wednesday.

Adelaide star Izak Rankine has been given a four-match ban for his use of a homophobic slur during the Crows’ win over Collingwood last Saturday night.

The AFL said in a statement that the integrity unit found Rankine guilty of breaching AFL rule 2.3(a) (conduct unbecoming). It said he had used “a highly offensive homophobic slur against a Collingwood opponent – language that demeans and denigrates people regardless of their sexuality”.

“The language used was offensive, hurtful and highly inappropriate. Our players have a very clear understanding of what is acceptable on the football field. Importantly, in this instance it was called out by players and acknowledged by Izak himself as wrong – and that reflects the standards we expect and demand in our game,” AFL general counsel Stephen Meade said.

“Izak has said he knew it was not acceptable. Adelaide have said they know it is not acceptable. In an AFL environment, this behaviour is not acceptable. Homophobia has no place in football. The suspension is significant, but stamping out vilification in our game is incredibly important. Everyone in football understands the rules, and there are consequences of breaching them.

“We recognise this is a challenging time for the players and clubs involved, and appropriate support has been offered. But our responsibility is also to every player, official and fan who deserves respect when they come to our game. In 2025, the players know this more than anyone.

“We know people in the LGBTQI+ community and allies hurt when an incident like this happens. One incident of this nature is too many, and the fact there have been multiple this year shows we still have more work to do and we are committed to that.”

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