Explore the latest developments concerning Collard's 'crippling' ban.
Collard's 'crippling' ban for homophobic slur reduced on appeal
Lance Collard's initial suspension of nine weeks with two suspended was deemed excessive by the appeals board. (Getty Images: Jonathan DiMaggio)
St Kilda has successfully had Lance Collard's ban for a homophobic slur reduced at the appeals board.
The appeals board deemed the AFL Tribunal's initial sanction of nine weeks, two suspended, was "crippling" for Collard's career.
St Kilda forward Lance Collard's ban for a homophobic slur has been reduced from nine weeks to four after an appeal hearing determined the original sanction was "crippling".
In a hearing which lasted two hours, Collard's defence was able to successfully argue that the AFL's original sanction over an incident in the VFL on March 27 was manifestly excessive.
When is Lance Collard's appeal? St Kilda talent to contest guilty homophobic slur verdict from AFL Tribunal
After Zac Butters' umpire vilification case was overturned, the AFL faces a second appeals this week – this time involving St Kilda's Lance Collard.
Collard was given a nine-week ban after being found guilty by the AFL Tribunal of using a homophobic slur against Frankston's Darby Hipwell in the VFL.
However, the Saints have decided to appeal the verdict and will contest the case this week.
The Sporting News has all the details on when the appeal will be heard.
MORE: Lance Collard suspension: Monster ban given to Saints talent for homophobic slur
Collard will attempt to overturn his suspension at the AFL Appeals Board on Thursday.
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Collard ban significantly downgraded; change coming to match days after Petracca’s horror injury
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St Kilda’s Lance Collard has had his penalty for using a homophobic slur in a VFL game reduced to four weeks (with two weeks suspended until the end of 2027) by the AFL Appeals Board, which described the original penalty as “crippling” for the player.
The appeals board, led by Will Houghton KC, backed the AFL Disciplinary Tribunal’s decision to find Collard guilty but said their decision to ban him for seven weeks (and two suspended) was “manifestly excessive”.
It is the second time in two years Collard has been found to have used homophobic language in a match, however he denied using the phrase “f—ing f—-t” in this match against Frankston.
For more detailed information, explore updates concerning Collard's 'crippling' ban.