Written by Rhea Alison, Sports reporter, covering international sports since 2020

Gold Coast Suns ruckman Max Knobel is under investigation by the AFL Integrity Unit following an alleged homophobic slur during the Suns' VFL clash against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday at People’s First Stadium. The incident has attracted attention across the league as the AFL continues to enforce strict policies on discriminatory language. If found guilty, the 21-year-old could face a suspension similar to sanctions handed to several players in recent seasons.

AFL and Gold Coast Respond to Incident

“The Gold Coast Suns are aware of an incident involving one of its players in Saturday’s VFL match against the Brisbane Lions,” a Suns spokesperson told 7NEWS.

“The club is currently cooperating fully with the AFL’s Integrity Unit as part of an ongoing investigation.”

The AFL also confirmed its involvement.

“We have been made aware of a matter arising from the VFL Round 11 match between the Gold Coast Suns and Brisbane Lions, which has been referred to the AFL Integrity Unit,” an AFL spokesperson told 7NEWS.

Knobel, the son of former AFL ruckman Trent Knobel, joined Gold Coast ahead of the 2025 season after departing Fremantle.

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