The AFL appears to be at war with itself, with CEO Andrew Dillon taking a dim view of the Appeals Board decision to reduce Lance Collard's suspension for a homophobic slur significantly.
St Kilda successfully argued on Thursday that the initial nine-week ruling was 'manifestly excessive' with the Appeals Board noting his indigenous background and difficult upbringing, saying the sanction would be crippling to his AFL career.
Collard's suspension was reduced to four weeks, with two of them suspended, which could see the Saints forward return in a fortnight's time.
While the league will not challenge the ruling, Dillon hit out strongly saying a harsher penalty was warranted.
'That suspension reflected the seriousness of using a homophobic slur on the field and was intended to set a clear standard for our game, particularly given it was a second offence,' he said in a statement.
'The Appeals Board last night imposed a four-week suspension, with two matches suspended until the end of next year. In the AFL's view, stronger action was not only warranted - it was necessary.
'Let's be clear: homophobia has no place in Australian football. Not at any level. Not under any circumstances.'
Dillon also specifically rejected the Appeals Board claim that players can employ language from time to time that is racist, sexist or homophobic whilst on the field as part of their reasoning for the reduced sentence.
'The AFL strongly rejects the statement not only that such language is commonplace, but also any implication that may be a factor in determining the severity of the sanction,' he said.
'Let's be clear: homophobia has no place in Australian football. Not at any level. Not under any circumstances.
'We will not accept, excuse or normalise behaviour and language that demeans, discriminates or vilifies people based on who they are.
'We acknowledge there are always broader considerations in these matters, and they must be handled with care. But they do not override the responsibility everyone has to meet the standards of the game.
'Respect and inclusion are not optional in our game - they are fundamental.'
Dillon said the league had communicated its concerns with the Appeals Board.
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