Adelaide Crows star Izak Rankine, who was suspended for four games after the use of a homophobic slur, reached out to his club’s LGBTQ+ supporters.
Izak Rankine, a forward for AFL club the Adelaide Crows, received a four-match ban (after initially receiving a five-match suspension) following the use of a homophobic slur in a 16 August AFL game against Collingwood Football Club.
After returning to the country, Rankine apologised for the use of the slur, saying he was “deeply sorry”.
The Rainbow Crows, a supporter group of the club comprised of LGBTQ+ fans, has revealed that Rankine met with them for an “open and honest conversation” about the incident with founder Brett McAloney.
“As part of AFLW pride round, we want to share some positive actions that have happened lately and others upcoming,” the Rainbow Crows wrote on Instagram.
“Izak Rankine reached out to our founder, Brett, and they caught up for a yarn last week. They had an open and honest conversation about the past couple of months and its impacts.”
“Izak expressed his remorse for his actions and desire to build a connection with Rainbow Crows, and assist in making positive changes in the club and our game,” the caption continued.
“We thank Izak for the yarn, wish him a nice break, great upcoming season, and look forward to building a connection.”
Rankine missed the last game of the home and away season, and will not return until Round 2 next year.
At Adelaide Airport on his return to Australia, Rankine told reporters: “I want to start by saying how deeply sorry I am for what I said. There was no excuse, it was wrong and I take full responsibility.
“I’m disappointed in myself and I know I have let a lot of people down.
“I want to apologise to anyone who I have hurt and offended. I understand that word was offensive, harmful, it’s hurtful and has no place in our game or our society.”
Mitch Brown, the first out bisexual AFL player in history, later said that he “doesn’t blame” Rankine for the incident.
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