Suns defender hit with five-game ban after making homophobic slur

Gold Coast defender Wil Powell has been handed a five-game suspension for making a homophobic slur.

The slur was made against a Brisbane player in last Sunday night’s loss at the Gabba.

The AFL Integrity Unit investigated the matter after being made aware of the incident on Monday.

The AFL cracked down on Powell given the proximity to the Jeremy Finlayson incident where the Power forward directed a homophobic slur to an Essendon player during Gather Round.

Finlayson was banned for three matches and directed to undertake a Pride in Sport education course. Powell has received more weeks as the AFL hopes to deter similar conduct in future.

Powell expressed his remorse via the club's website.

“As soon as the word came out of my mouth, I knew I had made a terrible mistake,” Powell said.

“I have offered my apology to the Brisbane player and would like to publicly apologise for my comment. I will take full responsibility for what I said.

“I know there is no place for comments of that nature and I will accept the repercussions for my actions. I should have known better and I need to prove this with my actions moving forward.”

AFL general counsel Stephen Meade was extremely disappointed by Powell’s actions.

"It is extremely disappointing to be dealing with a similar incident in only a matter of weeks," AFL general counsel Stephen Meade said.

"The AFL acknowledges Powell’s remorse and cooperation, and while it has considered the circumstances in which the comment was made, there are no excuses for this conduct in our game.

"We foreshadowed both publicly and privately that after what transpired at Gather Round if a similar incident was to happen there would be further consequence.

"There could be no clearer message - homophobia has no place in our game, nor in society. We want all people in the community to feel welcomed in our game and comments such as Powell’s only takes away from this. As a code, as a community, we all must be better."

Powell, 24, has played 95 games for Gold Coast. He’ll be available for selection after the club’s bye in Round 15 when the Suns face the Dockers at Optus Stadium on June 23.