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Collard Ban Cut: Two Weeks Suspended by Appeal
24 Apr
Summary
- Lance Collard's suspension for homophobic slur reduced from seven weeks.
- Appeal board cited 'crippling' career effect for the reduced sanction.
- Two-week ban is cumulative with a separate two-match striking suspension.
St Kilda forward Lance Collard will serve a two-week suspension for using a homophobic slur after his ban was significantly reduced by the AFL appeal board.
Initially suspended for seven weeks, with an additional two weeks suspended, Collard's sanction was lowered on appeal. The board deemed the original penalty "manifestly excessive," stating it could have a "crippling" impact on the 21-year-old player's career.
This reduced two-week ban, which includes a further two weeks suspended until the end of next season, will be served concurrently with a two-match suspension for striking. Collard had denied the homophobic slur allegation, claiming he said "Come here, maggot" instead.
This incident marks the second time Collard has faced suspension for homophobic language in a VFL match. The AFL reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on such language, emphasizing ongoing education for all players.
