Sydney defender Riak Andrew has been suspended for five matches for using a homophobic slur during Saturday's VFL game between the Swans and North Melbourne in New South Wales.
The club confirmed the news on Monday, with the AFL Integrity Unit having since taken the matter into its own hands and preparing a lengthy ban following its investigation.
The Swans, who have stated Andrew is "remorseful and takes full responsibility" for his actions, expressed their disappointment in the defender's language.
“This behaviour does not reflect the values of our club, and we take this matter very seriously,” CEO Tom Harley said.
“While it is disappointing, we recognise that Riak is at the beginning of his career and we will use this as an opportunity to provide support and education, to ensure Riak understands the impact of his words.
“In a fortnight we will be playing in the Pride Game, a match that is incredibly important to our club. We are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment.”
The AFL has revealed that the incident was brought to the attention of a VFL match official, and subsequently the league.
“It is important that we continue to make clear that homophobia or homophobic language has no place in our game at any level or in the wider community for that matter,” AFL General Counsel Stephen Meade said in a statement.
“It is disappointing to be dealing with another incident and while we will always examine the individual circumstances, the clear message is that this language is not acceptable in any workplace and that includes on the field of play”
Andrew's slur came just over a week after West Coast midfielder Jack Graham received a four-game ban for self-reporting his homophobic slur from Round 17.
Last year, Gold Coast's Wil Powell served five matches, and Port Adelaide's Jeremy Finlayson served three games for using homophobic slurs during games.
St Kilda's Lance Collard was handed a six-game ban for a "highly offensive" slur used in the VFL while playing for Sandringham.
Andrew joined the Swans via last year's National Draft, taken with Pick 55 out of the Dandenong Stingrays.
