The AFL has declared the “serious allegations” made against Sydney Swans players are “deeply concerning” and “raises broader issues for our game and our responsibilities as a sport”.
Fresh details around the sexual assault investigation emerged on Tuesday with a woman reportedly claiming her personal boundaries were breached in the hotel room of one of the players.
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The Herald Sun reports that a Swans player organised for at least two women to join the squad at their hotel in the early hours of Monday morning.
A group of more than half a dozen Swans players had been out for dinner and drinks prior.
According to the report, a source said one of the women claimed their understanding of what was ‘off limits’ was breached” in the hotel room of one of the players.
It led to a commotion with the woman leaving before confronting staff in the hotel lobby.
The Herald Sun reports onlookers allege they overheard the woman claiming to staff that she had been “inappropriately touched”.
Fox Sports Australia does not suggest any of the players are under investigation or implicated in any wrongdoing, only that they have been spoken to by investigators.
Victoria Police are investigating the alleged incident.
Both Sydney and the AFL continue to work through the situation with latest reports suggesting players who were in attendance could be banned at least two weeks for conduct unbecoming.
The club is also considering potential stand-downs as the investigation continues.
The AFL’s statement, released on Tuesday evening, reads as follows.
“The conduct and serious allegations regarding Sydney Swans players are deeply concerning,” Andrew Dillon said.
“While the matter remains under police investigation, it raises broader issues for our game and our responsibilities as a sport.
“The woman who made the report to police is entitled to privacy and care, and that should be respected.
“It is important that the police process is allowed to run its course.
“Sexual assault allegations are serious, regardless of who is involved, what time of year it is, or what they may mean for a season.
“Our first question should not be what this means for a football club. It should be whether our actions match the standards we stand for and the community expects of us.
“As a sport, and as an industry, we are clear about the standards we expect and the values we stand for and the need to uphold them.
“Being clear about our standards also means being prepared to act when those standards are not met.
“Notwithstanding the ongoing police investigation, the AFL and the Sydney Swans will consider the broader conduct of the players as more information comes to light.”
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