Wil Powell’s social media posts exposed after AFL’s homophobic slur ban, Gold Coast Suns

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Social media comments made by Gold Coast Suns player Wil Powell have come to light in the wake of an AFL ban for using a homophobic slur.

Powell was handed a five-game ban after he admitted to using a homophobic slur towards a Brisbane Lions player during Sunday’s contest at the Gabba.

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“As soon as the word came out of my mouth, I knew I had made a terrible mistake,” Powell said in a statement on Thursday.

“I have offered my apology to the Brisbane player and would like to publicly apologise for my comment. I will take full responsibility for what I said.

“I know there is no place for comments of that nature and I will accept the repercussions for my actions. I should have known better and I need to prove this with my actions moving forward.”

In the wake of the ban however, comments left by Powell on a former AFL player’s Instagram account were sighted by news.com.au. The homophobic language used on the posts have since been deleted.

The comments were made several years ago with Powell commenting “you can’t surf gay”, “pink suits you”, “probably lost cos gay” and “gay” under a series of Instagram uploads.

News.com.au has contacted the Gold Coast Suns for comment.

Gold Coast Suns CEO Mark Evans rebuked the homophobic slur made by Powell during the game, but said the club would support Powell in his endeavour to redeem himself.

“Wil’s comment was completely unacceptable, and in no way reflects what we stand for as a football club,” Evans said in a statement.

“We have spoken to Wil to ensure he understands the severity of his comment and the effect comments like these can have on others. He has committed to work hard to educate and better himself and he will have the club’s support to make those improvements.”

Powell joins Port Adelaide’s Jeremy Finlayson as the second player to be banned for using a homophobic slur.

Finlayson was handed a three-week suspension after he aimed a homophobic slur at an Essendon opponent.

After being handed the ban, Finlayson conceded his behaviour was unacceptable.

“The word I used has no place in our society or our game,” Finlayson said.

“Words can be very hurtful and what I said on Friday night was totally unacceptable.

“I unreservedly apologise again to the Essendon player, my teammates, Port Adelaide members and supporters and the LGBTQIA+ community for the distress I have caused.

“I accept the AFL’s sanction and now look forward to reflecting on my behaviour and seeking education to improve myself and understand the impact such comments can have on the broader community.”

Finlayson was eligible to return to the Power’s line-up in round 8, but was not selected for the Derby against Adelaide.

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