The AFL has referred the case of St Kilda footballer Lance Collard to a disciplinary tribunal hearing next week.
Collard is accused by an opposition player of allegedly using a homophobic slur during last weekend's Round 2 VFL match between St Kilda and Frankston.
The 21-year-old Saint has strongly denied he said the slur, instead claiming he used the word "maggot".
The alleged slur is a breach of the AFL's "conduct unbecoming" rule. The date and time of the hearing is yet to be confirmed.
Collard was previously been banned for six games after using a homophobic slur in 2024.
There are calls for St Kilda to terminate his contract if he is found guilty following the disciplinary tribunal hearing next week.
