Latest news with #Riak
The Advertiser
21-07-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Swans defender faces AFL ban over homophobic slur
Sydney defender Riak Andrew is facing a lengthy suspension after being cited for using a homophobic slur while representing the AFL club's reserves team. First-year player Andrew, the younger brother of Gold Coast star Mac Andrew, used the slur during the Swans' VFL clash with North Melbourne on Saturday. The AFL Integrity Unit is investigating the matter. In a statement, Sydney said a remorseful Andrew understands the language he used is unacceptable and takes full responsibility for his actions. Swans chief executive Tom Harley said the club are extremely disappointed in the 20-year-old's actions. "This behaviour does not reflect the values of our club, and we take this matter very seriously," Harley said. "While it is disappointing, we recognise that Riak is at the beginning of his career and we will use this as an opportunity to provide support and education, to ensure Riak understands the impact of his words." Andrew's slur comes as Sydney prepare to hold their annual celebration of LGBTIQA+ communities, when they host Essendon at the SCG on August 2. "In a fortnight we will be playing in the Pride Game, a match that is incredibly important to our club," Harley said. "We are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment." Andrew was taken with pick No.55 in last year's draft and is yet to make his AFL debut. Earlier this month, West Coast midfielder Jack Graham was found guilty of conduct unbecoming and suspended for four matches for using a homophobic slur during his side's loss to GWS. Another three AFL players were suspended for using homophobic slurs last season. Gold Coast defender Wil Powell (five matches) and Port Adelaide forward Jeremy Finlayson (three) served bans over incidents in AFL matches. St Kilda's Lance Collard served a six-match penalty for "unprompted and highly offensive" slurs towards two Williamstown players in a VFL game. Sydney defender Riak Andrew is facing a lengthy suspension after being cited for using a homophobic slur while representing the AFL club's reserves team. First-year player Andrew, the younger brother of Gold Coast star Mac Andrew, used the slur during the Swans' VFL clash with North Melbourne on Saturday. The AFL Integrity Unit is investigating the matter. In a statement, Sydney said a remorseful Andrew understands the language he used is unacceptable and takes full responsibility for his actions. Swans chief executive Tom Harley said the club are extremely disappointed in the 20-year-old's actions. "This behaviour does not reflect the values of our club, and we take this matter very seriously," Harley said. "While it is disappointing, we recognise that Riak is at the beginning of his career and we will use this as an opportunity to provide support and education, to ensure Riak understands the impact of his words." Andrew's slur comes as Sydney prepare to hold their annual celebration of LGBTIQA+ communities, when they host Essendon at the SCG on August 2. "In a fortnight we will be playing in the Pride Game, a match that is incredibly important to our club," Harley said. "We are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment." Andrew was taken with pick No.55 in last year's draft and is yet to make his AFL debut. Earlier this month, West Coast midfielder Jack Graham was found guilty of conduct unbecoming and suspended for four matches for using a homophobic slur during his side's loss to GWS. Another three AFL players were suspended for using homophobic slurs last season. Gold Coast defender Wil Powell (five matches) and Port Adelaide forward Jeremy Finlayson (three) served bans over incidents in AFL matches. St Kilda's Lance Collard served a six-match penalty for "unprompted and highly offensive" slurs towards two Williamstown players in a VFL game. Sydney defender Riak Andrew is facing a lengthy suspension after being cited for using a homophobic slur while representing the AFL club's reserves team. First-year player Andrew, the younger brother of Gold Coast star Mac Andrew, used the slur during the Swans' VFL clash with North Melbourne on Saturday. The AFL Integrity Unit is investigating the matter. In a statement, Sydney said a remorseful Andrew understands the language he used is unacceptable and takes full responsibility for his actions. Swans chief executive Tom Harley said the club are extremely disappointed in the 20-year-old's actions. "This behaviour does not reflect the values of our club, and we take this matter very seriously," Harley said. "While it is disappointing, we recognise that Riak is at the beginning of his career and we will use this as an opportunity to provide support and education, to ensure Riak understands the impact of his words." Andrew's slur comes as Sydney prepare to hold their annual celebration of LGBTIQA+ communities, when they host Essendon at the SCG on August 2. "In a fortnight we will be playing in the Pride Game, a match that is incredibly important to our club," Harley said. "We are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment." Andrew was taken with pick No.55 in last year's draft and is yet to make his AFL debut. Earlier this month, West Coast midfielder Jack Graham was found guilty of conduct unbecoming and suspended for four matches for using a homophobic slur during his side's loss to GWS. Another three AFL players were suspended for using homophobic slurs last season. Gold Coast defender Wil Powell (five matches) and Port Adelaide forward Jeremy Finlayson (three) served bans over incidents in AFL matches. St Kilda's Lance Collard served a six-match penalty for "unprompted and highly offensive" slurs towards two Williamstown players in a VFL game.
West Australian
21-07-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Sydney Swans player Riak Andrew facing ban over homophobic slur in VFL game against North Melbourne
A member of the Sydney Swans squad is expected to face a multi-match ban after being cited for making a homophobic slur in a VFL game. Riak Andrew, the younger brother of Gold Coast star Mac Andrew, made the remark during the Swans' game against North Melbourne on Saturday. The Swans said the 20-year-old, who was selected by Sydney with pick 55 in last year's draft, was 'remorseful and takes full responsibility.' 'This behaviour does not reflect the values of our club, and we take this matter very seriously,' said Sydney Swans CEO Tom Harley. 'While it is disappointing, we recognise that Riak is at the beginning of his career, and we will use this as an opportunity to provide support and education to ensure Riak understands the impact of his words. 'In a fortnight, we will be playing in the Pride Game, a match that is incredibly important to our club. We are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment.' This latest incident of homophobic verbal abuse on the playing field comes a week after West Coast's Jack Graham was banned for a month for making a homophobic slur. Last year, AFL players Wil Powell (five games) and Jeremy Finlayson (three games), along with VFL Saints player Lance Collard (six games), were all suspended for homophobic slurs made on the field.
Perth Now
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Sydney Swan facing ban for homophobic slur
A member of the Sydney Swans squad is expected to face a multi-match ban after being cited for making a homophobic slur in a VFL game. Riak Andrew, the younger brother of Gold Coast star Mac Andrew, made the remark during the Swans' game against North Melbourne on Saturday. The Swans said the 20-year-old, who was selected by Sydney with pick 55 in last year's draft, was 'remorseful and takes full responsibility.' 'This behaviour does not reflect the values of our club, and we take this matter very seriously,' said Sydney Swans CEO Tom Harley. 'While it is disappointing, we recognise that Riak is at the beginning of his career, and we will use this as an opportunity to provide support and education to ensure Riak understands the impact of his words. 'In a fortnight, we will be playing in the Pride Game, a match that is incredibly important to our club. We are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment.' This latest incident of homophobic verbal abuse on the playing field comes a week after West Coast's Jack Graham was banned for a month for making a homophobic slur. Last year, AFL players Wil Powell (five games) and Jeremy Finlayson (three games), along with VFL Saints player Lance Collard (six games), were all suspended for homophobic slurs made on the field. Riak Andrew. Credit: Matt King / Getty Images
