Izak Rankine’s season has potentially ended after the AFL handed the Adelaide star a four-game ban for using a homophobic slur during the weekend’s game against Collingwood, with “compelling medical submissions” considered by the league in reaching its decision.
After days of deliberation – extended to grant the Crows more time to plead their case for a reduced ban – the AFL finally handed down its sanction on Thursday, seriously denting the club’s premiership hopes.
Rankine will miss the final round of the home-and-away season – Saturday’s clash against North Melbourne – and the next three games, but he could return for the grand final, should the Crows lose a final en route to the flag decider.
after newsletter promotion
“The AFL integrity unit found that Rankine used a highly offensive homophobic slur against a Collingwood opponent – language that demeans and denigrates people regardless of their sexuality,” an AFL statement read.
“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.”
Adelaide are guaranteed to finish in the top two after Saturday night’s narrow win over Collingwood, but celebrations were tempered after the AFL’s integrity unit was called in on Sunday to investigate reports a homophobic slur was used by a Crows player.
The absence of Rankine in September will hurt the Crows, given the goalsneak is a proven big-game performer and has been a match-winner during the team’s rise from a 15-placed finish 12 months ago to genuine premiership contention this year.
The 25-year-old has averaged 20.5 disposals and booted 31 goals as the Crows locked in their return to finals for the first time since 2017 and seek to break a 27-year premiership drought.
More to follow.
Leave a Reply