The AFL is investigating an alleged homophobic slur made by Port Adelaide forward Jeremy Finlayson towards an Essendon player during their round-four encounter on Friday.
It has been reported by afl.com.au that an alleged homophobic slur, made by Finlayson and directed at an unnamed Essendon player, was picked up on the on-field umpires' microphones.
The comment was brought to attention after it was denounced by Bombers players.
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Finlayson has since admitted to making a homophobic slur against an Essendon opponent during the third quarter of the match.
"A contrite Finlayson made the club aware during the three-quarter time break and apologised to the victim on [the] field after the final siren last night," Port Adelaide said in a club statement on Saturday night.
"Finlayson, who will be counselled by club leaders in the coming days, will provide a statement [on Sunday].
"The club will now wait for the AFL to complete its investigation."
The League's integrity unit will review the incident.
AFL spokesperson Jay Allen confirmed that the AFL was aware of the alleged slur and is investigating.
"We are aware of an alleged comment made by a Port Adelaide player in last night's match vs Essendon," he said.
"We are taking this matter extremely seriously. AFLIU (AFL integrity unit) are now investigating and we will provide an update once that investigation is completed."
Essendon are yet to respond to the matter.
Finlayson finished with three goals and 19 disposals in the Power's 69-point victory over the Bombers' during Gather Round.
Last month, North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson received a two-match wholly suspended sanction alongside a $20,000 fine for an "unacceptable and highly inappropriate" verbal attack towards St Kilda players Jimmy Webster and Dougal Howard.
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