The Sydney Swans have announced that Riak Andrew, an AFL-listed player, has been cited for using a homophobic slur during a VFL match against North Melbourne. The incident took place on Saturday, and the club issued a statement confirming that Andrew acknowledges the inappropriateness of his language.
Andrew expressed remorse and accepted full responsibility for his actions. The young player, who was signed by the Swans during the second night of the 2024 draft after his time with the Dandenong Stingrays, is the brother of Gold Coast Suns star Mac Andrew.
Tom Harley, the CEO of the Sydney Swans, expressed disappointment over the incident, emphasising that such behaviour does not align with the club’s values. He noted the importance of taking the matter seriously while recognising that Andrew is at the beginning of his career. The club aims to utilise this situation as an educational opportunity to help Andrew grasp the significance of the language he has used.
Furthermore, Harley highlighted that the club is dedicated to fostering a safe and inclusive environment, especially with the upcoming Pride Game, a significant event for the Swans. The AFL’s integrity unit is currently looking into the incident.
This citation follows a recent case where West Coast’s Jack Graham received a four-match suspension for similar conduct towards GWS, highlighting the ongoing efforts within the league to address and prevent homophobic language and behaviour.