AFL boss distances himself from David Koch’s ‘disgusting’ comments on footy star’s shocking homophobic slurs

AFL boss Andrew Dillon says “there will be accountability” for Port Adelaide player Jeremy Finlayson after he directed a homophobic slur at an opponent during the Gather Round.

Dillon said a league investigation into Finlayson’s offensive remark towards an Essendon player was underway and a decision on how to penalize the 28-year-old could be left until Thursday.

The Power striker’s comment was picked up by a referee’s microphone during Friday night’s clash at Adelaide Oval, with Finlayson reportedly informing club officials of the incident at three-quarter time.

He issued a public apology on Sunday, saying he was “very remorseful” and took “full responsibility” for using the slur.

“I spoke about it at the time and … let everyone know what happened, and now it’s up to the AFL to investigate,” Finlayson said.

Jeremy Finlayson (pictured) issued a public apology on Sunday for a homophobic slur he directed at an Essendon player during Friday night’s Gather Round match. Photo: PAFC

“I continue to reflect and improve, receiving all the education I can to improve myself.”

Dillon said Finlayson’s transgression would be treated in isolation after North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson was fined $20,000 and given a two-match suspended suspension for a homophobic slur directed at St Kilda players during a pre-season match last month.

It comes after Port Adelaide president David Koch sparked anger on Sunday for suggesting Finlayson should receive the same punishment during his appearance on ABC’s Offsiders.

“Absolutely no excuse, I absolutely don’t approve of it, and it shouldn’t be part of the game, but if you’re looking at a comparison, that would be the benchmark here,” Koch said.

“We take them all very seriously and I don’t think it’s possible to compare and contrast. But they’re all different, we don’t like them and that’s why we’re looking into it and that’s why there will be accountability,” Dillon said Monday.

“Jérémie will be held responsible at the end of this investigation. The schedule indicates that this will be done before the next round of matches.

Power chairman David Koch said Finlayson should be treated the same as Alastair Clarkson, who was not forced to miss a game after allegedly using a homophobic slur against two St Kilda players during the pre-season.

Finlayson (pictured) used the slur during Port’s win over Essendon on Friday night and now faces punishment from the AFL.

“I don’t think there’s room for that anywhere, let alone in the league.”

Port Adelaide face Fremantle at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday night before traveling to Melbourne to face Collingwood at the MCG.

Dillon said the decision whether to suspend Finlayson would ultimately be up to AFL football boss Laura Kane and general counsel Stephen Meade.

“We take this very seriously and I would prefer to have a proper investigation and a proper process to get to the right outcome,” Dillon said.

“We have very detailed rules and regulations that deal with this and ultimately it’s a call to our head of football and our general counsel, and they will do it when they have all the information in front of them.”