Brisbane Lions player Koby Evans has been found guilty of conduct unbecoming by the AFL Integrity Unit and has been suspended from play for four matches for using a homophobic slur.

The AFL made their announcement on Thursday afternoon that Evans had breached AFL Rule 2.3(a), Conduct Unbecoming.

The incident was in relation to his use of a homophobic slur during the VFL Round 6 match between Coburg and the Brisbane Lions on May 2.

“Evans immediately admitted the conduct and made full admissions in the subsequent investigation that he made a highly offensive homophobic slur towards a Coburg opponent, which demeans and denigrates persons regardless of their sexuality.”

“He also expressed remorse and was apologetic,” the AFL said in a statement.

“Evans has received a four-match sanction consistent with previous similar matters where a player has self-reported such conduct.”

“He will not be eligible to play for the Brisbane Lions in the AFL or VFL in the period that encompasses Rounds 9 to 12 of the AFL season and any VFL matches that correspond with those AFL rounds.

“In addition to the sanction, Evans will undertake LGBTQI+ inclusion education.”

Evans has yet to make his AFL debut.

Source: AFL Photos
Koby has taken ownership ‘privately and publicly’

“Everyone understands that homophobia and homophobic language has absolutely no place in our game at any level or in the wider community,” AFL Chief Operating Officer Tom Harley said.

“Our players have a very clear understanding of what is acceptable on the football field and in society.”

“Koby self-reported this incident and has taken ownership of his mistake both privately and publicly.

“It is extremely disappointing to be dealing with another incident of this nature.

“While we will always examine the individual circumstances, we cannot be more clear that respect and inclusion are not optional in our game – they are fundamental.”

All AFL and AFLW players and officials receive yearly education regarding vilification and the effects of such behaviour, which includes a dedicated LGBTQI+ inclusion education module introduced last year.

The AFL will continue to review anti-vilification training across every level of the game.

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Second homophobic incident reported this year

This is the second time this year that homophobic remarks have been made public and before the tribunal.

The latest incident comes less than two weeks after the AFL dismissed its Appeals Board chairman, Will Houghton, following St Kilda player Lance Collard’s amendment of his suspension for a second homophobic slur.

The reduction of the AFL Disciplinary Tribunal’s nine-week suspension of Collard became a point of public disgrace for the national game.

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon slammed the Appeals Board’s decision, saying a penalty larger than Collard’s eventual four-game ban “was not only warranted – it was necessary.”

Image: Sydney Swans AFL

Dillon said the League would not “accept, excuse or normalise behaviour or language that demeans, discriminates or vilifies people based on who they are”.

“The AFL specifically rejects the Appeals Board’s reasoning, which stated, ‘it is commonplace that players can employ language from time to time which is racist, sexist or homophobic whilst on the field’,” he said.

From the 2025 season, all players and staff within the AFL had to complete an LGBTQI+ education module for the first time in response to homophobic slurs on the field.

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