A supporter has been slapped with a year-long ban after directing a homophobic slur at Glenelg captain and former Richmond forward Liam McBean during last Sunday’s SANFL qualifying final at Adelaide Oval.
The incident came just days after the high-profile Izak Rankine case, where Collingwood’s Isaac Quaynor was targeted with the same F-word.
McBean, who played briefly at AFL level before becoming a three-time premiership hero with Glenelg, immediately stopped to point towards the grandstand when he heard the insult. A boundary umpire also heard the abuse, prompting security to evict the man on the spot.
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SANFL issues swift punishment
In a statement, the SANFL confirmed the penalty, declaring: “The member of the crowd used a highly offensive homophobic slur against Glenelg captain Liam McBean … Following an investigation, the person is banned from attending any SANFL match day for 12 months.”
The league commended McBean, the umpire and fans who reported the incident, adding: “This type of inappropriate and demeaning language has no place on or off the field, or in our society in general.”
Adelaide Oval management also said breaches of the venue’s code of conduct could be referred to SA Police.
McBean later addressed the matter at the SANFL Magarey Medal count, saying: “Look, it’s not something you expect to hear coming over the fence … I must admit when I first heard it was a bit of shock and hopefully with the quick actions that took place afterwards there’ll be an education.”
The 29-year-old will now lead Glenelg into Sunday’s semi-final against Sturt, with the Tigers chasing a third straight flag.