Overview
- The AFL removed appeals board chair Will Houghton on Saturday after industry anger over the panel’s written reasons in Lance Collard’s case.
- The panel on Thursday upheld the guilty finding for conduct unbecoming but cut Collard’s suspension from nine weeks to four, with two weeks suspended.
- The board’s written reasons said racist, sexist or homophobic language is "commonplace" on the field and noted the opponent said he was not offended, drawing widespread criticism.
- AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon on Friday rejected that reasoning, said stronger action was necessary, and noted the league had sought a 10‑game penalty.
- Collard previously served a six‑game ban in 2024 for the same slur, and the case has renewed clubs’ calls for clearer, more consistent tribunal processes after other recent disputes.