Sydney Player Riak Andrew Faces Afl Suspension Over Homophobic Slur

Sydney defender Riak Andrew is facing a lengthy suspension aft being cited for utilizing a homophobic slur while representing nan AFL club’s reserves team.

First-year subordinate Andrew, nan younger relative of Gold Coast prima Mac Andrew, utilized nan slur during nan Swans’ VFL conflict pinch North Melbourne connected Saturday.

The AFL Integrity Unit is investigating nan matter.

In a statement, Sydney said a remorseful Andrew understands nan connection he utilized is unacceptable and takes afloat work for his actions.

Swans main executive Tom Harley said nan nine are highly disappointed successful nan 20-year-old’s actions.

“This behaviour does not bespeak nan values of our club, and we return this matter very seriously,” Harley said.

“While it is disappointing, we recognise that Riak is astatine nan opening of his profession and we will usage this arsenic an opportunity to supply support and education, to guarantee Riak understands nan effect of his words.”

Andrew’s slur comes arsenic Sydney hole to clasp their yearly ceremony of LGBTIQA+ communities, erstwhile they big Essendon astatine nan SCG connected 2 August.

“In a fortnight we will beryllium playing successful nan Pride Game, a lucifer that is incredibly important to our club,” Harley said.

“We are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment.”

Andrew was taken pinch prime No 55 successful past year’s draught and is yet to make his AFL debut.

Earlier this month, West Coast midfielder Jack Graham was recovered blameworthy of behaviour unbecoming and suspended for 4 matches for utilizing a homophobic slur during his side’s nonaccomplishment to GWS Giants.

Another 3 AFL players were suspended for utilizing homophobic slurs past season.

Gold Coast defender Wil Powell (five matches) and Port Adelaide guardant Jeremy Finlayson (three) served bans complete incidents successful AFL matches.

St Kilda’s Lance Collard served a six-match penalty for “unprompted and highly offensive” slurs towards 2 Williamstown players successful a VFL game.