AFL Opens Investigation into Latest Slur Allegation

Evans faces likely ban as AFL investigates latest on-field slur claim

Evans apologized “multiple times – on field and again post-match” after being accused of a homophobic comment, as the AFL weighs sanctions in line with the Lance Collard case.

Fresh AFL embarrassment as another homophobic slur allegation emerges, with Evans set to face suspension despite prior heavy bans and policy changes.

Coburg’s 65-point win over Brisbane Lions Reserves was marred by an alleged homophobic slur from 18-year-old Koby Evans, now under AFL investigation...

The AFL is investigating 18-year-old Brisbane Lions VFL player Koby Evans over an alleged homophobic slur made during Saturday’s VFL match against Coburg at Coburg City Oval. 

Coburg claimed a surprise 65-point win, their second of the season, to beat the Brisbane Lions Reserves and drop them to 21st on the ladder. 

Evans is accused of directing a homophobic comment at a Coburg opponent, with the incident reported to umpires after the game ended. 

Brisbane Lions said in a statement that Evans “apologized multiple times – on field and again post-match.”

“The player is extremely remorseful and takes full responsibility,” they added. 

“The club is disappointed the incident has occurred while supporting and educating the player.”

This was Evans’ second game against Coburg in a week, after he lined up for the Australia U18 Academy against a Coburg rep side at Whitten Oval last Monday. 

Evans looks likely to face a ban of at least four matches based on the recent penalty given to St Kilda’s Lance Collard for a similar offense earlier this year. 

Brisbane's Koby Evans is under investigation for using a homophobic slur during a VFL game.

Details: https://t.co/fhyHmfm3aa pic.twitter.com/rKO5f9w1bh

— AFL (@AFL) May 4, 2026

Collard originally received a nine-game suspension, which was cut to four after a successful appeal by St Kilda’s legal team. 

AFL Appeals Board chair Will Houghton KC was later dismissed by the AFL over his reasoning, which included the suggestion that “racist, sexist or homophobic” language on the field is “commonplace.”

Even with heavy bans aimed at stamping out homophobic conduct on the field, the sport keeps facing embarrassment as new allegations surface.