St Kilda youngster Lance Collard cops lengthy suspension for homophobic slur

St Kilda youngster Lance Collard has been given a season-ending six-match ban for making multiple homophobic slurs during a VFL game last weekend.

Collard, who was playing for the Saints’ VFL affiliate Sandringham, reportedly used the slur at least five times to two opponents during Saturday’s clash against Williamstown.

The VFL were made aware of the incident and referred it to the AFL integrity unit.

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Collard, who will also be required to attend Pride in Sport training, admitted and understood his behaviour was wrong and has since apologised to the Williamstown and the players involved.

The 19-year-old becomes the third player suspended this year for a homophobic slur, but has been given the heaviest punishment.

He will now miss the remainder of the home and away season.

Lance Collard has been handed a lengthy suspension. Credit: Getty

“I am incredibly remorseful for my comments and any hurt they may have caused,” Collard said

“I’m disappointed in myself and fully accept the consequences for my behaviour.”

Speaking from Perth, AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said they will continue to punish players until it’s stamped out.

“It’s something that we want to continue to work on with the players and you will see the sanctions increasing until we don’t see it anymore,” he said.

“We just have to continue to educate. It’s not acceptable anywhere, let alone a footy field.”

AFL General Counsel Stephen Meade added: “There is no excuse for using the language that Collard used on the weekend. Everyone understands it is totally unacceptable in any setting, ever.

“The AFL is very clear that homophobia has no place in our game, nor in society. We want everyone to feel safe playing in our game and Collard’s behaviour does not help this.

“As a code we will continue to work together to improve our game as a safe and inclusive environment for all.”

The incident came just a week after St Kilda and Sydney squared off in the eighth annual Pride Game.

Collard didn’t play in that game with his most recent senior match coming back in Round 11.

Earlier this year, Port Adelaide star Jeremy Finlayson was given a three-match ban following a homophobic slur during Gather Round in April and Gold Coast defender Wil Powell copped a five-match ban following a comment against Brisbane in May.

In handing out the Powell punishment, AFL general counsel Stephen Meade said the league “foreshadowed both publicly and privately that after what transpired at Gather Round, if a similar incident was to happen there would be further consequence.”

North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson was also fined $20,000 and handed a suspended two-match sanction for a homophobic slur directed at two Saints players during a pre-season match in March.

Collard was taken with pick No.28 in last year’s draft and has played three senior matches this year.

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