AFL Queensland strongly condemns all forms of vilification in the football community and is deeply disappointed by recent incidents involving players and spectators.
Under the AFL’s policies, it is prohibited to threaten, disparage, vilify or insult another person on any basis, including but not limited to, a person’s race, religion, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.
Vilifying behaviour of any nature is unacceptable and does not have a place in the game. AFL Queensland takes these incidents very seriously and they can result in strong sanctions including match bans against players and spectators who are found to have vilified other community football participants.
An example of an incident includes vilification on the basis of sexual orientation towards an umpire earlier this season in the QAFL competition, which was thoroughly investigated and resulted in sanctions for the offending player, including match bans. Other incidents throughout the season have also incurred fines and other sanctions as appropriate.
AFL Queensland will continue to work closely with those subjected to vilification and provide them with ongoing support while matters are investigated, and perpetrators sanctioned accordingly.
If you witness this behaviour, please make a report by contacting your Competition Manager or via the AFL Integrity Reporting Portal.
