Footy star apologises after aiming homophobic slur at rival player in ugly scenes: 'I take full responsibility'

Port Adelaide forward Jeremy Finlayson has formally apologised for making a homophobic slur during his side's win over Essendon as he awaits the outcome of an AFL investigation.

The incident happened during the third quarter of the Power's 69-point victory over the Bombers at Adelaide Oval during Gather Round.

'I take full responsibility for what happened Friday night,' Finlayson said in a statement released by Port Adelaide on Sunday.

'The word I used is very unacceptable in the game of football. We need to stamp it out and I'm very remorseful.'

It is understood an umpire's microphone picked up the insult and multiple players heard it.

Port Adelaide said Finlayson made the club aware of the remark during the three-quarter time break, and spoke with the victim on the field to apologise after the final siren.

'I knew straight away that it was not acceptable and I take full responsibility,' Finlayson said.

'I addressed it at the time and ... let everyone know what happened, and it's now in the hands of the AFL to investigate.

'I'm continuing to reflect and improve myself, getting all the education I can to make myself better.'

The AFL Integrity Unit's investigation is ongoing.

'We've got to run a process, speak to all involved, but Jeremy's come out, he's admitted making the comment and he's apologised,' AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon told Channel Nine.

'So now we've just got to work through what the accountability will be.

'I don't want to put too much of a time frame on it, but it will be done this week.'

Last month, North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson was fined $20,000 and has a suspended two-match ban for abusing St Kilda defenders Jimmy Webster and Dougal Howard during a pre-season game.

Clarkson was asked to explain his actions to the AFL after allegedly using the homophobic slur 'c*******er' during the practice match.