PORT ADELAIDE forward Jeremy Finlayson has addressed the offensive comment he made to an Essendon opponent during Friday night’s football match at Adelaide Oval.
Finlayson has admitted to making a homophobic slur against the opposition player during the third quarter of the game.
Speaking on Sunday, Finlayson expressed his remorse over his actions.
“I take full responsibility for what happened Friday night,” Finlayson said.
“The word I used is very unacceptable in the game of football. We need to stamp it out and I’m very remorseful.”
Highlighting his contrition, the 28-year-old made the club aware of the remark during the three-quarter time break, and spoke with the victim on the field to apologise after the final siren.
“I knew straight away that it was not acceptable and I take full responsibility,” Finlayson said on Sunday.
“I addressed it at the time and… let everyone know what happened, and it’s now in the hands of the AFL to investigate.
“I’m continuing to reflect and improve myself, getting all the education I can to make myself better.”
Finlayson will be counselled by club leaders in the coming days as he awaits the outcome of the AFL Integrity Unit’s investigation into the matter.