Lance Collard faces 10-week ban for homophobic slur in VFL match

Lance Collard might be banned for 10 weeks for a homophobic slur, adding to his existing 2-week ban. This is a much longer ban than his previous offense.
By Newsroom | Sports, Australian Rules Football |

Lance Collard, a player for the St Kilda football club, has been found guilty of making a homophobic slur during a VFL match. The league is pushing for a 10-week suspension, compounding an existing two-match ban for a separate high contact incident in the same game. The AFL argued that this was an appropriate sanction given it's Collard's second offense of this nature. The tribunal has deliberated on the matter, with a final decision on the sanction expected imminently.

St Kilda has indicated it may appeal the finding against Collard. The club's defense during the hearing suggested the opposing players might be mistaken about what was said. Collard himself has maintained his innocence, stating he uttered "maggot" and not a homophobic slur. This stands in contrast to a previous similar offense where he admitted to using a slur. The gravity of the situation, with a potential ban that could "ruin his life," underscores the seriousness with which such conduct is being treated.

Separately, St Kilda's Zak Butters is also facing the tribunal for an alleged homophobic slur directed at an umpire. Butters denies the accusation, stating he told umpire Nick Foot, "surely that's not a free kick" and did not say anything untoward. He is "100 per cent" certain of his innocence in this matter.

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AFL tribunal LIVE: League still pushing for huge Collard ban; case of Butters’ alleged umpire abuse up next - 1

Collard's prior offense involved a guilty plea and confirmation of using a slur. The current charge stems from a VFL match on March 27th. The tribunal's decision process has spanned multiple days, with both the AFL and St Kilda submitting their arguments regarding the appropriate punishment.

Collard is currently serving a two-week suspension for a high hit in the same match where the alleged slur occurred. He has been playing alongside teammate Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, who is also reportedly mentoring him. Prior playing history suggests Collard and some involved individuals have a shared past at Sandringham. The AFL’s stance on the 10-week demand was amplified by the fact this was a repeat offense. The league indicated a lesser sanction might have been considered had Collard pleaded guilty to the current charge.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why might Lance Collard get a 10-week ban from the VFL?
Lance Collard is accused of using a homophobic slur during a VFL match on March 27th. The AFL wants a 10-week suspension because this is a repeat offense for him.
Q: What was Lance Collard banned for before this?
Collard was already serving a two-match ban for a high contact incident in the same game where the alleged slur happened.
Q: Is St Kilda appealing the ban for Lance Collard?
St Kilda has said they might appeal the finding against Collard. The club argued during the hearing that other players might have heard wrong and Collard said 'maggot' instead of a slur.
Q: What is happening with Zak Butters?
Separately, Zak Butters is also facing the tribunal for allegedly directing a homophobic slur at an umpire. Butters denies this, saying he only asked the umpire about a free kick.