Brisbane Lions teenager Koby Evans has issued an apology for what he described as “unacceptable” language after being handed a four-match suspension for using a homophobic slur during a VFL match.
Investigation and Sanction
7NEWS chief AFL reporter Mitch Cleary revealed that Evans was under investigation for the slur, which occurred during the weekend's VFL fixture. The AFL concluded its inquiry on Thursday, resulting in a four-match ban for the 18-year-old. The penalty was reduced from the standard five matches because Evans self-reported the incident and accepted full responsibility.
Evans' Apology
The young footballer apologised multiple times following the incident, both on the field and after the game. In a statement released on Thursday, Evans said: “My language was totally unacceptable, I’m disappointed in myself, and apologise to the LGBTQI+ community and our club. I knew as soon as it came out of my mouth, that I’d made a bad mistake and this language is unacceptable on or off the field.”
Club Response
Brisbane CEO Sam Graham expressed the club’s disappointment but affirmed their support for Evans. “Our club is committed to being an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and able to belong, including players, staff, members and fans,” Graham said. “Koby has addressed his teammates and through this situation has been upfront with the club and AFL about this matter. We recognise that Koby is at the beginning of his career and we will work with him to provide the necessary support and education, to ensure he understands the impact words can have on people.”
Education and Suspension
During his suspension, Evans will undertake LGBTQI+ inclusion education, delivered by subject matter experts. Evans was drafted with pick 38 in last year’s AFL draft and has played five VFL matches for the Lions.
Recent Similar Incidents
This investigation comes just two weeks after the conclusion of St Kilda forward Lance Collard’s own homophobic slur saga. Collard received a nine-match sanction (two games suspended) from an AFL disciplinary tribunal, which was later reduced to a four-match ban (two games suspended) by the AFL Appeals Board after the Saints appealed. It was Collard’s second homophobic slur ban in three seasons, having been given a six-match ban in 2024.
Since the start of 2024, several other AFL players have also received bans for homophobic slurs, including Port Adelaide’s Jeremy Finlayson (three matches), Gold Coast’s Wil Powell (five matches), West Coast’s Jack Graham (four matches), Sydney’s Riak Andrews (five matches), and Adelaide’s Izak Rankine (four matches).
