Izak Rankine apologises for using homophobic slur on his return to Australia

“From here, all I can do is put my head down, work hard, support my teammates in the best way I can and show through my actions that I am going to learn from my mistake. “More than anything, I want this club to succeed so I will be doing everything I can to gain everyone’s trust back and have a positive impact on society and my supporters.” Izak Rankine of the Crows earlier in the season. Credit: Getty Images An emotional Rankine ended with the press conference with a “thank you” and didn’t answer questions. Rankine was initially offered a five-match ban for calling a Collingwood player a f----t during a Saturday night match at Adelaide Oval on August 16. However, the Crows challenged the proposed penalty, arguing for a three-game ban.

Loading As part of their appeal, the club submitted expert medical evidence concerning Rankine’s mental health. The AFL ultimately settled on a four-game suspension, citing the “compelling medical submissions” as a key factor in reducing the ban from five games. AFL CEO Andrew Dillon, speaking last month, defended the league’s process and clarified that the timing of the finals had no impact on the decision. “A game is a game,” Dillon said.

He added that the suspension would “absolutely” be the same length if the incident had happened in round five, and defended the lengthy process to arrive at a conclusion. “It’s serious. There are significant prices to pay. We’ve taken our time, we’ve got to the outcome.” With Adelaide kicking off their finals campaign against Collingwood this Thursday, they’ll be without one of their most dynamic playmakers. Should the Crows, who have a double chance, lose their first final but make it through to the grand final, Rankine would be eligible to return for the decider. The AFL integrity unit found Rankine guilty of conduct unbecoming in that he had used “a highly offensive homophobic slur against a Collingwood opponent – language that demeans and denigrates people regardless of their sexuality”.

He was also ordered to undertake further Pride In Sport training. Rankine is the sixth AFL-listed player to be suspended for an on-field homophobic comment in the past two seasons. Port Adelaide’s Jeremy Finlayson received a three-match ban, with a warning that the next player to transgress could expect a heavier sanction. Gold Coast’s Wil Powell (five matches), West Coast’s Jack Graham (four, after self-reporting), Swans-listed player Riak Andrew (five), and St Kilda-listed Lance Collard (six, for multiple comments) are the others. In a statement issued five days after the on-field incident, Rankine said he regretted using the word. “It was a mistake and I have apologised to the Collingwood player, and what happened does not reflect my values or those of the club,” he said.

Loading “I’m committed to educating myself and being better.” At the time, CEO Tim Silvers said the Crows were extremely disappointed with Rankine’s behaviour and would not be appealing the AFL’s ban. “Such language is unacceptable and at odds with the values of our organisation, and we are committed to being a club that fosters a respectful and inclusive environment,” Silvers said. “We are obviously frustrated and disappointed, however, player welfare is always a priority and we will provide Izak with the appropriate support and education.”

Rankine’s case has unfolded alongside broader scrutiny of the AFL’s stance on inclusivity – particularly after backlash to the league’s decision to book Snoop Dogg as the grand final headline act. Critics have pointed to the rapper’s past use of homophobic and misogynistic lyrics, prompting accusations of double standards. Amid the ongoing conversation, former West Coast player Mitch Brown made history last week by becoming the first openly bisexual male player in the AFL’s 129-year history. Brown, who played 94 games before retiring in 2016, shared his story in an interview with The Daily Aus, later posting a message on Instagram. He said he hoped his decision would help others feel safe and supported.

Loading Dillon praised Brown’s courage: “This is an important moment for him and for our entire game,” he said. “Today is a step forward, and building on Mitch’s story we hope that others feel encouraged to be their authentic selves and share their own journeys, and that these stories are met with support from teammates, clubs and the wider football community. “The AFL will continue to partner with our clubs, our pride and allies groups and the LGBTQI+ community to drive and celebrate inclusion across both our AFL and AFLW competitions. “Together, our commitment is to keep making football an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone to thrive – and that work never stops.”

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