The AFL has confirmed that Adelaide Crows Izak Rankine is under investigation for allegedly using a homophobic slur during their clash with Collingwood on Saturday night.

An AFL statement said the Integrity Unit will be investigating the incident.

Adelaide has responded to the investigation.

“We are aware of an alleged matter involving one of our players in Saturday night’s game, and we are in discussions with the AFL,” the club said in a statement.

This is not the first incident of homophobia this season.

In round 17 this year, West Coast’s Jack Graham received a four-game suspension after self-reporting the use of a homophobic slur. Later in July, Sydney’s Riak Andrew handed a five-game suspension for the same offence in a VFL game.

Following Graham’s suspension, the AFL head of integrity and security, Tony Keane, said that homophobia does not belong in the game or community and that the continuation of incidents demonstrates that progress needs to be made.

“The AFL will continue to consider the specific circumstances in each incident in determining appropriate responses. Graham’s sanction would have been higher if he hadn’t self-reported and understood his comment was totally inappropriate,” he said.

With a maximum of five games left for the Crows, should Rankine be found guilty, he runs the risk of missing the remainder of the season.

Adelaide is set to play North Melbourne on Saturday in the final round before finals.

Photo: Adelaide Football Club press conference, August 11