“Everyone, including Jeremy understands the word he used is both hurtful and totally unacceptable in any setting, ever,” AFL general counsel Stephen Meade said.

“The AFL is very clear that homophobia has no place in our game, nor in society. We want all people in LGBTQI+ communities to feel safe playing or attending our games and we know the incident that happened on the weekend does not assist this goal. As a code we will continue to work together to improve our game as a safe and inclusive environment for all.”

North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson received a fine, a suspended suspension and has to attend Pride in Sport training for the homophobic slur he directed towards St Kilda players in a practice match earlier this season.

In the unlikely event he had not been handed a suspension, Port Adelaide were also contemplating not playing Finlayson against Fremantle this week as they felt he may not be in the right emotional shape to play.

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According to two sources familiar with the issue, Finlayson has said he was shocked he had used the offensive word and understood the gravity of the situation.

Port Adelaide accepted the sanction in a statement, and Finlayson reaffirmed his remorse and regret for the comment.

“The word I used has no place in our society or our game,” Finlayson said.

“Words can be very hurtful and what I said on Friday night was totally unacceptable.

“I unreservedly apologise again to the Essendon player, my teammates, Port Adelaide members and supporters and the LGBTQIA+ community for the distress I have caused.

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“I accept the AFL’s sanction and now look forward to reflecting on my behaviour and seeking education to improve myself and understand the impact such comments can have on the broader community.”

Port Adelaide chairman David Koch reiterated Finlayson’s apology.

“On behalf of the Port Adelaide Football Club, I extend an apology to the Essendon player, the Port Adelaide community of members and supporters and the LGBTQIA+ community,” he said.

“What was said is totally unacceptable and comments of this nature do not align with what our club stands for. Port Adelaide is a place for everyone so we are very disappointed with what occurred on Friday night.

“Importantly, Jeremy self-reported and apologised to the player on the night and has publicly expressed his remorse.

“We will now provide education for Jeremy and offer him and his family support during this time.

“We do not underestimate the seriousness of this matter and look forward to the AFL applying consistency to such cases in the future.”

The NRL suspended the Warriors’ wingman Marcelo Montoya for four matches for using homophobic language in 2022 while Cricket Australia fined Australian batsman Marcus Stoinis $7500 in 2020 when he used a homophobic slur to denigrate opponent Kane Richardson in a Big Bash game.

Finlayson’s comments outraged community leaders, who said they were a poor reflection on the AFL environment.

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Pride Cup chief executive Hayley Conway said Finlayson’s slur pointed to a larger concern that the AFL had not done enough to change its culture.

“You do have a player who has said something that is completely unacceptable in any workplace. They recognised that, they apologised for it. But ultimately, that player is operating in a context and an institution where those things have been tolerated for a long time,” Conway said.

“There has to be a question of not just what did that player say, but what has AFL House been doing? What has every club been doing to create environments where this kind of language would be used ever?”

Conway, also a board member of Equality Australia, added the question now was how sporting organisations were putting resources into actions.

“If the AFL were doing that well, they wouldn’t have the issues they have with not just homophobic language, but racism and sexism as well.”

The AFLPA also condemned Finlayson’s slur, expressing disappointment via a statement on Tuesday from CEO Paul Marsh.

“There is no excuse and no place for this language in our game and society,” Marsh said.

“I have personally spoken to Jeremy today who has reiterated his remorse and apology for his actions. He understands there is a broader impact from his choice of words and the hurt it inflicts, and he is committed to educating himself and having a positive impact on the community moving forward.

“We have also spoken to Essendon players.

“We all have a responsibility to ensure a safe and inclusive workplace and society, and we are committed to our role in achieving this.”

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