Adelaide Crows midfielder Izak Rankine has received a four-game suspension for 'conduct unbecoming' following his admission of a homophobic slur directed at a Collingwood opponent last weekend.
The four-game ban means Rankine could theoretically still play in the 2025 AFL Grand Final, were the Adelaide Crows to lose their first final and qualify via the semi and preliminary finals.
The lengthy investigation by the AFL prompted widespread debate amongst the community that is set to continue throughout the remainder of the season.
Rankine is one of several players to have been suspended at both AFL and VFL levels for such an offence, with all suspensions ranging between three and six weeks.
The most recent such incident involved West Coast's Jack Graham, who received a four-week suspension for using the same word as Rankine on-field.
It was reported by veteran broadcaster Eddie McGuire on Tuesday night that Rankine was set to receive five weeks, which if true means that Adelaide have had limited success in their defences which reportedly ranged from provocation to weighting finals matches differently to pointing out the AFL's own 'inconsistent' sanctions for such an offence.
"Following an investigation and submissions from Adelaide and Rankine including compelling medical submissions, Rankine has received a four-match sanction and has been ordered to undertake further Pride In Sport training," the AFL said in a media statement on Thursday afternoon.
"It should be noted that on Sunday, Rankine rang the Collingwood player to personally apologise and he fully cooperated with the subsequent investigation by the AFL Integrity Unit including by admitting the use of the homophobic slur and being remorseful for it.
"The AFL will continue to consider the specific circumstances in each incident in determining appropriate responses."
Rankine released a formal apology via the club shortly after the suspension was confirmed.
“I regret using the word and I am very sorry for doing so, and that type of language has no place in football or the community,” Rankine said.
“It was a mistake and I have apologised to the Collingwood player, and what happened does not reflect my values or those of the Club.
“I’m committed to educating myself and being better.”
Rankine will miss Adelaide's final home and away game, to take place against North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.