The AFL has removed its appeals board chairman Will Houghton KC, just two days after a controversial judgment in a case involving a homophobic slur.
Houghton chaired an appeals board panel on Thursday night that reduced young Saint Lance Collard’s ban for saying the phrase “f—ing f—-t” during a VFL match from nine weeks to four weeks (with two games suspended).
The AFL confirmed on Saturday that the decision was effective immediately.
When asked about the Houghton termination on Saturday, a league spokesperson said: “Mr Houghton served as chair since his appointment in March 2024 and has contributed at club level over many years and the AFL thanks him for his service.”
League boss Andrew Dillon took the extreme step of condemning the appeals board’s decision on Friday.
He said the AFL disciplinary tribunal’s original ban was “not only warranted – it was necessary”.
Dillon also rejected the board’s assertion that it was commonplace that players use racist, sexist or homophobic language from time to time in “highly competitive” levels of football.
“The AFL strongly rejects the statement not only that such language is commonplace, but also any implication that may be a factor in determining the severity of the sanction,” Dillon said in comments later echoed by the AFL Players Association.
“We will not accept, excuse or normalise behaviour and language that demeans, discriminates or vilifies people based on who they are.”
More to come.
