Wil Powell suspension explained: Sun banned for homophobic slur

Just weeks after Port Adelaide’s Jeremy Finlayson was banned for a homophobic slur, Gold Coast’s Wil Powell was handed a five-game ban by the AFL for a similar offence.

In a statement released by the AFL, they confirm an Integrity Unit investigation has found the Suns defender used a homophobic slur towards a Brisbane player in Sunday night’s QClash.

In handing out the penalty, the AFL acknowledged that the severity of the sanction against Powell was affected by its proximity to Finlayson’s incident, which saw the Port player hit with a three-game ban.

MORE: Jeremy Finlayson apologizes for comments on his wife’s podcast

Powell is now out until the 14th round.

“It is extremely disappointing to be faced with a similar incident in just a few weeks,” AFL general counsel Stephen Meade said.

“The AFL recognizes Powell’s remorse and cooperation and while it has taken into account the circumstances in which the comment was made, there is no excuse for this behavior in our game.”

“We have predicted both publicly and privately that after what happened at Gather Round, there would be further consequences if a similar incident were to occur.

“There couldn’t be a clearer message – homophobia has no place in our game or in society. We want everyone in the community to feel welcome in our game, and comments like Powell’s only detract from that. As a code, as a…” community, we all need to do better.

What did Wil Powell say?

Powell, who has played 95 senior games for Gold Coast since being drafted in 2017, apologized for his behavior and committed to changing his behavior.

“As soon as the word came out of my mouth, I knew I had made a terrible mistake,” Powell said.

“I have apologized to the Brisbane player and would like to publicly apologize for my comment.

“I take full responsibility for what I said.

“I know there is no place for comments like this and I will accept the consequences for my actions.”

“I should have known better, and I must prove that with my future actions.”

Suns boss Mark Evans said Powell’s comments were also taken into account internally.

“Wil’s comment was completely unacceptable and in no way reflects what we stand for as a football club,” Evans said.

“We have spoken to Wil to ensure he understands the gravity of his comments and the impact such comments can have on others.

“He is committed to working hard to learn and improve and he will have the support of the club to achieve these improvements.”

Gold Coast will face North Melbourne in Darwin on Saturday evening.