\u201cEvans 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe also expressed remorse and was apologetic,\u201d the AFL said in a statement.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvans has received a four-match sanction consistent with previous similar matters where a player has self-reported such conduct.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn addition to the sanction, Evans will undertake LGBTQI+ inclusion education.\u201d<\/p>\n
Evans has yet to make his AFL debut.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Dean-website-images-8.png\")
Source: AFL Photos
\nKoby has taken ownership \u2018privately and publicly\u2019<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone understands that homophobia and homophobic language has absolutely no place in our game at any level or in the wider community,\u201d AFL Chief Operating Officer Tom Harley said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur players have a very clear understanding of what is acceptable on the football field and in society.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cKoby self-reported this incident and has taken ownership of his mistake both privately and publicly.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is extremely disappointing to be dealing with another incident of this nature.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile we will always examine the individual circumstances, we cannot be more clear that respect and inclusion are not optional in our game \u2013 they are fundamental.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The AFL will continue to review anti-vilification training across every level of the game.<\/p>\n
Related content<\/p>\n
Second homophobic incident reported this year<\/p>\n
This is the second time this year that homophobic remarks have been made public and before the tribunal.<\/p>\n
The latest incident comes less than two weeks after the AFL dismissed its Appeals Board chairman<\/a>, Will Houghton, following\u00a0St Kilda player Lance Collard\u2019s amendment\u00a0of his suspension for a second homophobic slur<\/a>.<\/p>\n The reduction of the AFL Disciplinary Tribunal\u2019s nine-week suspension <\/a>of Collard became a point of public disgrace for the national game<\/a>.<\/p>\n AFL CEO Andrew Dillon slammed the Appeals Board\u2019s decision, saying a penalty larger than Collard\u2019s eventual four-game ban \u201cwas not only warranted \u2013 it was necessary.\u201d<\/p>\n Dillon said the League would not \u201caccept, excuse or normalise behaviour or language that demeans, discriminates or vilifies people based on who they are\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cThe AFL specifically rejects the Appeals Board\u2019s reasoning, which stated, \u2018it is commonplace that players can employ language from time to time which is racist, sexist or homophobic whilst on the field\u2019,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n From the 2025 season, all players and staff within the AFL had to complete an LGBTQI+ education module<\/a> for the first time in response to homophobic slurs on the field.<\/p>\n For the latest LGBTIQA+\u00a0Sister Girl and Brother Boy\u00a0news,<\/a>\u00a0entertainment,<\/a>\u00a0and community stories<\/a>\u00a0in Australia, visit\u00a0qnews.com.au<\/a>. Find us on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0Instagram<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0YouTube<\/a>.<\/p>\n \t\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/For-Dales-QNews-work-2025-12-09T075809.489.png\")
Image: Sydney Swans AFL<\/p>\n