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UPDATED: Port Adelaide forward Jeremy Finlayson has spoken out after the AFL announced it was investigating a homophobic slur made by him towards an Essendon player during their round-four encounter on Friday.
It had been reported by afl.com.au that the slur, made by Finlayson and directed at an unnamed Essendon player, was picked up on the on-field umpires’ microphones.
The comment was brought to attention after it was denounced by Bombers players.
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Finlayson has since admitted to making a homophobic slur against an Essendon opponent during the third quarter of the match.
“A contrite Finlayson made the club aware during the three-quarter time break and apologised to the victim on [the] field after the final siren last night,” Port Adelaide said in a club statement on Saturday night.
“Finlayson, who will be counselled by club leaders in the coming days, will provide a statement [on Sunday].
“The club will now wait for the AFL to complete its investigation.”
On Sunday, Finlayson said he is taking full responsibility for what happened.
“The word I used is very unacceptable in the game of football. We need to stamp it out and I’m very remorseful,” he said in a statement.
“I knew straight away that it was not acceptable and I take full responsibility.
“I addressed it at the time and … let everyone know what happened, and it’s now in the hands of the AFL to investigate.
“I’m continuing to reflect and improve myself, getting all the education I can to make myself better.”
The League’s integrity unit will review the incident.
AFL spokesperson Jay Allen confirmed that the AFL was aware of the slur and is investigating.
“We are aware of an alleged comment made by a Port Adelaide player in last night’s match vs Essendon,” he said.
“We are taking this matter extremely seriously. AFLIU (AFL integrity unit) are now investigating and we will provide an update once that investigation is completed.”
Essendon are yet to respond to the matter.
Finlayson finished with three goals and 19 disposals in the Power’s 69-point victory over the Bombers’ during Gather Round.
Last month, North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson received a two-match wholly suspended sanction alongside a $20,000 fine for an “unacceptable and highly inappropriate” verbal attack towards St Kilda players Jimmy Webster and Dougal Howard.
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