Adelaide are preparing a response after the AFL informed the club of Izak Rankine’s proposed ban late on Tuesday night.

Rankine allegedly directed a homophobic slur towards a Magpies opponent during Saturday night’s match at Adelaide Oval, prompting an investigation by the AFL’s integrity unit.

The club is considering its options and is expected to respond on Wednesday.

“We are having ongoing discussions with the AFL as part of the due process,” a Crows spokesperson said.

The Crows made a submission as part of the league’s investigation, hoping to minimise any sanction for using the word “f—-t” during the match, a fact two sources confirmed. The submission included reference to the byplay between Rankine and Collingwood players before the incident.

Despite the fact Rankine did not self-report, the club argued he was contrite and rang the Collingwood player whom the slur was directed at to apologise on Sunday. The club also argued it followed proper processes and did not attempt to defend the player’s action publicly or privately during the investigation.

Eddie McGuire reported on Footy Classified on Tuesday night that Rankine had been offered a five-match ban.

Adelaide could appeal the ban if they are unhappy with the league’s decision. There is the potential for the Crows to argue the penalty is excessive given a five-match ban would rule Rankine out of the finals. Other bans for using a homophobic slur have been served in the home-and-away season.