Riak Andrew cops five-game suspension for homophobic slur, Sydney Swans

Sydney Swans listed participant Riak Andrew has been hit with a five-match ban for utilizing a homophobic slur in a VFL match in opposition to North Melbourne.

An investigation by the AFL integrity unit discovered Andrew responsible of breaching the code of conduct after his actions have been reported to the umpire by a rival participant on Saturday.

Sydney confirmed following the match that Andrew “understands the language he used is unacceptable” and had taken “full duty” for the incident.

“I’m deeply sorry for the phrase that I utilized in Saturday’s recreation and any harm that it has brought about,” Andrew mentioned.

“Whereas I didn’t perceive the total affect of the phrases I used on the time, I definitely do now, and have deep remorse for my actions.

Riak Andrew throughout a 2025 AFL neighborhood sequence match between Gold Coast Suns and Sydney Swans. by way of Getty Photographs

“This has impacted not solely our membership however the broader neighborhood, and for that I’m really sorry. I’m dedicated to utilizing this as a possibility to study and get higher.”

Andrew shall be ineligible to characterize the Swans over the subsequent 5 weeks in each the AFL and VFL. He will even must undertake a Pleasure in Sport training program.

It comes simply two weeks after the AFL banned West Coast’s Jack Graham for 4 matches after he used a homophobic slur in opposition to GWS.

“It’s disappointing to be coping with one other incident,” AFL common counsel Stephen Meade mentioned in an announcement about Andrew’s ban.

“Whereas we are going to at all times study the person circumstances, the clear message is that this language will not be acceptable in any office and that features on the sector of play.”

The league confirmed it would proceed to “construct on anti-vilification coaching” for all AFL and AFLW gamers and officers in wake of current incidents.

Andrew was recruited to the Swans on evening two of the 2024 draft after taking part in for Dandenong Stingrays. He’s the brother of Suns star Mac Andrew.

Sydney Swans chief govt Tom Harley described the behaviour as disappointing.

“This behaviour doesn’t mirror the values of our membership, and we take this matter very severely,” he mentioned after the match on Saturday.

“Whereas it’s disappointing, we recognise that Riak is initially of his profession and we are going to use this as a possibility to offer assist and training, to make sure Riak understands the affect of his phrases.

“In a fortnight we shall be taking part in within the Pleasure Recreation, a match that’s extremely vital to our membership. We’re dedicated to making a protected, respectful, and inclusive surroundings.”