Former Perth Demon turned Brisbane forward Koby Evans has been handed a four-match ban for the use of a homophobic slur.

Evans was cited for using a slur during the Lions’ VFL match against Coburg last weekend.

His sanction was reduced from the standard five weeks because he self-reported, with Evans saying he was “extremely remorseful.”

“My language was totally unacceptable; I’m disappointed in myself, and apologise to the LGBTQI+ community and our club,” Evans said.

“I knew as soon as it came out of my mouth, that I’d made a bad mistake and this language is unacceptable on or off the field.”

Taken at pick 38 in last year’s national draft, Evans is yet to make his AFL debut. He put together his best performance at VFL level against Coburg but will now miss the next month.

Lions chief executive Sam Graham said there was no place for homophobic language in the game.

“Our club is committed to being an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and able to belong, including players, staff, members and fans,” he said.

“Koby has addressed his teammates and through this situation has been upfront with the club and AFL about this matter.

“We recognise that Koby is at the beginning of his career and we will work with him to provide the necessary support and education to ensure he understands the impact words can have on people.”

In addition to his sanction, Evans will undertake LGBTQI+ inclusion education.

AFL chief operating officer Tom Harley said homophobia has absolutely no place in the league.

“Our players have a very clear understanding of what is acceptable on the football field and in society. Koby self-reported this incident and has taken ownership of his mistake both privately and publicly,” he said.

“It is extremely disappointing to be dealing with another incident of this nature. While we will always examine the individual circumstances, we cannot be more clear that respect and inclusion are not optional in our game - they are fundamental.”

It is the eighth incident the AFL has dealt with over the past three years.

The AFL Players’ Association says it’s clear the current approach to tackling homophobia is not working.

“While the industry remains aligned in wanting to rid the game of homophobia, the current approach that focuses on punitive measures is not working,” CEO James Gallagher said.

“A more holistic solution requires meaningful engagement with LGBTIQA+ community leaders, education that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of players, and a disciplinary process that minimises and remedies the harms caused.”

The sanction follows the protracted saga over St Kilda forward Lance Collard, who was originally handed a seven-week suspension for a homophobic slur, but it was sensationally reduced to two weeks following an appeal.

The fallout saw the AFL remove the chair of the Appeals Board, Will Houghton KC, rejecting his claim that homophobic, sexist or racist language is commonplace in the game.

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon released a stinging statement rejecting the findings of the board.

“Let’s be clear: homophobia has no place in Australian football. Not at any level. Not under any circumstances,” Dillon said.

“In the AFL’s view, stronger action was not only warranted - it was necessary.

“We will not accept, excuse or normalise behaviour and language that demeans, discriminates or vilifies people based on who they are.

Collard received a six-week ban for the same offence in 2024.

Adelaide star Izak Rankine was banned for four games last season for a homophobic slur that saw him miss the Crows’ finals series.

At the time, Dillon said there was compelling medical evidence that resulted in a reduced sentence, though he did not go into detail.

Untried Sydney defender Riak Andrew (five matches) and West Coast player Jack Graham (four) were also suspended last season.