Gold Coast SUNS player Max Knobel has been issued a four-match suspension for the use of a homophobic slur during the VFL Round 11 match against the Brisbane Lions.

Both Knobel and the Gold Coast SUNS fully cooperated with an AFL Integrity Unit investigation, and have accepted the sanction handed down by the AFL.

Knobel will not be eligible for selection at any level during the period encompassing Rounds 14 to 17 of the AFL season.

Knobel acknowledged the impact his actions have had and expressed his remorse for the incident.

“I have to take responsibility for my actions which were unacceptable. I understand the severity of what I said and the impact those comments have on a wide range of people,” Knobel said.

“I have offered my apologies to the Brisbane player and would like to extend my sincerest apologies to those who have been impacted by my comments, including those as part of the LGBTIQA+ community. 

“I will accept the repercussions of my actions. It is not what I stand for as a person and understand that I now need to prove that through my actions moving forward. I will continue to learn and educate myself in an effort to get better.”

Gold Coast SUNS Chief Executive Mark Evans says the club is extremely disappointed with Knobel’s actions but will provide him with its full support to better himself.

“Max’s actions do not align with what we stand for as a football club, and our commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment. He immediately acknowledged that it was unacceptable and was remorseful for his actions,” Evans said.

“He is fully aware of the damage comments of this nature can have. He has committed to educating and bettering himself and he will have the club’s full support in those endeavours."