There's no question that racism and homophobia are serious matters. They cause deep and lasting harm, not just to the victim but to the wider community. But are things said on the football field in the heat of the moment as bad as a punch behind the play? The AFL obviously thinks they are because they are copping similar penalties. I know the AFL wants to crack down on racism and homophobia and change the footy culture, but the penalties currently being handed out by the AFL for this are extreme. Especially when compared to death threats, striking offences, and other actions that result in injury/concussions/possible long-term brain injury. The AFL is right to signal zero tolerance — but when penalties are extreme, the message risks being dismissed as theatre. Heavy bans alone don’t change culture — they punish without fixing. For a first offence I'd much rather see a one match ban, a fine based on a percentage of the player's salary, and compulsory education/cultural awareness training/working with First Nations/LGBTQIA+ groups/meeting victims. Maybe the fine can go to a relevant charity, based on the offence. Then double (or even triple) the penalty for a second offence, in the hope that players learn their lesson. Shouldn't we treat a genuine mistake/slip of the tongue different to repeated wilful abuse? But jumping to a 4 (Izak Rankine), 5 (Will Powell, Riak Andrew) or even 6 week ban (Tex Walker, Lance Collard) for a first offence is ridiculous.
And should context be taken into account - who said it, how it was said, how many times it was said, who it was directed at - or is that opening things up for debate/appeal? The AFL has said 'The AFL will continue to consider the specific circumstances in each incident in determining appropriate responses.' Regardless, when a racial slur gets 6 weeks, but a deliberate punch that concusses an opponent gets 4, the system looks skewed. Clearly public image matters more to the AFL than fairness. Does this damage the AFL's credibility, or strengthen it by showing leadership in stamping out racism and homophobia? I believe a strong, fair system with rehabilitation built in shows leadership and earns respect. Fans will support tough stances, but not if they look disproportionate or theatrical. Education and rehabilitation should be the priority, especially for first offenders. Punishments should not solely focus on setting an example - they must be just/proportionate, consistent, and effective in changing behaviour.
With the recent suspension of Rankine the precedent had been set - however harsh - and a 5 match ban was warranted if the AFL was to be consistent. It did nobody any favours for the Adelaide Football Club to challenge the ban, whether there were mitigating circumstances or "compelling medical evidence" or finals coming up. Not Rankine, who apparently was remorseful and willing to cop the punishment, not the Crows, who now look like they are prioritising their player and team above the victim and importantly, the LGBTQIA+ community. The right thing to do was to condemn the action, accept the verdict and move on. But if the Crows disagree with the severity of the punishment for verbal abuse, or that their finals campaign has been negatively impacted, then tackle it later with the AFL.
