Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
The AFL has sacked its Appeals Board Chair after his comments on the Lance Collard case.
William Houghton KC released the statement on Friday after St Kilda successfully trimmed Collard’s suspension from nine matches to four.
It was a lengthy and divisive release throughout but one line in particular received widespread criticism.
“We observe that football is a hard game,” Houghton said in part.
“It is highly competitive, particularly at its higher levels.
“It is commonplace that players can employ language from time to time which is racist, sexist or homophobic whilst on the field.”
AFL Players’ Association chief executive James Gallagher said it was “deeply concerned” by the statement.
“The AFLPA does not accept the suggestion that vilification is ‘commonplace’ on the field between players,” Gallagher said.
“No matter how hard or competitive the game is, there is no excuse for racist, sexist, or homophobic language and this language is hurtful to communities beyond the individual it is directed at.
“Every step of this process has caused more harm to the LGBTQIA+ community, the First Nations community, and the individuals at the centre of this issue and that is something the industry must deeply reflect on.
“We have a shared responsibility to develop an approach that is fair, minimises and remedies the harms caused, and shifts behaviour.
“Football is for everyone and all players and the AFLPA remain committed to playing our part in building a culture where everyone is valued, respected, and safe.”
