St Kilda has confirmed that it will appeal Lance Collard's nine-week suspension (two weeks suspended) after he was found guilty for the use of a homophobic slur on March 27 in Round 2 of the VFL.
Collard was found guilty of violating AFL Rule 2.3(a) which pertains to "conduct unbecoming".
The Saints released the following statement:
"St Kilda Football Club will appeal the AFL Disciplinary Tribunal's decision to find Lance Collard guilty of AFL Rule 2.3(a) (Conduct Unbecoming) towards an opponent, and the subsequent sanction of a nine-week suspension (with two weeks suspended).
"As a club, we will continue to stand by Lance, who maintains his position of innocence. This process has had a considerable impact on Lance, and we are committed to ensuring he is not only supported but that his integrity is defended through the appropriate process.
"We also recognise and empathise with the impact the ongoing and public nature of this matter has had, particularly on members of the LGBTQIA+ and First Nations communities.
"The AFL will now determine the timing of the appeal hearing which is expected for next week. As the process remains ongoing, the club will not be making any further comment at this time."
Collard has repeatedly pleaded his innocence, and the AFLPA have also stood by the Saints youngster, and remain in support of his welfare.
Give there is no recording…. whether it is “feasible” that the word “maggot” was misheard as “faggot” is rather obvious.
The decision would be found to be unsubstantiated in Law, surely.