AFL news

Thursday, June 11, 2026, 7:17 pm

Max Knobel said his actions were wrong.

In short:

Gold Coast Suns player Max Knobel is banned for four weeks for using a homophobic slur.

Knobel will not play in the AFL or VFL until after July 5.

Knobel said he was sorry for what he did and apologized to the Brisbane player.

Max Knobel is the latest AFL player to be banned for using homophobic language.

Knobel was suspended for four games after the AFL looked into the matter.

The AFL said the Suns reported the bad language and Knobel admitted it happened during a VFL game.

The AFL said the ban is fair because Knobel said sorry and apologized.

The AFL said homophobic language is not acceptable and there is still work to be done.

There have been many cases of homophobic language in the AFL this year.

Knobel said he accepts the consequences of his actions.

Knobel said he was wrong and he knows his words hurt many people. He will try to do better.

Knobel apologized to the Brisbane player and the LGBTIQA+ community.

Knobel said he does not believe in homophobic language and will prove it with his actions.

The Suns CEO said the club is very disappointed but will support Knobel.

The AFL Players' Association said more needs to be done to stop homophobic language.

The appeal board said homophobic and racist language is common in the AFL.

The AFLPA said the AFL needs to work with the LGBTIQA+ community to find a solution.

Earlier this year, Koby Evans was banned for four games for using a homophobic slur.

The AFL fired its appeals board chairman after he said racist and homophobic language is common.

The chairman made the comments while looking at a case involving Lance Collard.

Collard was banned for six games for using homophobic language two years ago.

Collard said he did not use a homophobic term in the latest incident.

Izak Rankine was banned for four matches last year for using homophobic language.

Riak Andrew and Jack Graham were also suspended last season for using homophobic language.

In 2024, Jeremy Finlayson and Wil Powell were banned for using homophobic language.

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Thursday, June 11, 2026, 7:17 pm

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