The Sydney Swans' key sponsors have spoken out about the players linked to a serious police investigation. (Getty Images: Darrian Traynor)
A number of sponsors have suspended activities with the Sydney Swans amid a police investigation into an alleged incident in Melbourne.
Other associated brands have issued statements in response to the matter but maintained support for the club.
The club has issued an apology for the "distress" caused to the "wider community" and the impact on commercial partners and other parties.
A number of brands associated with the Sydney Swans have suspended their activities with the club in the wake of a police investigation into an alleged sexual assault in Melbourne on Monday.
Five Swans players, Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey, Riley Bice and James Jordon are linked to the police investigation.
The players are yet to be formally interviewed or charged and it is not suggested that any of them are being accused of sexual assault.
Sponsors Colgate, Volkswagen and Telstra have confirmed to the ABC that they have "suspended" or "paused" their activities with the players involved.
Other sponsors, including QBE and realestate.com.au, have released statements condemning any abuse or violence against women but have stopped short of withdrawing their support for the club.
Swans chairman Andrew Pridham and chief executive Matthew Pavlich expressed a "sincere apology for the distress this incident has caused the wider community," in a statement released on Wednesday afternoon, naming "members, supporters, commercial partners, Academy families, staff members, athletes, their partners and families".
Five Sydney Swans players stood down for the rest of the season over breaches of club standards issue an apology to their club, fans and the wider community.
"Our thoughts remain with everyone affected, particularly the women involved. All women deserve to feel safe and respected," the statement read.
"We understand and share the hurt that many of you we will be feeling. To say we are disappointed is an understatement.
"We know that moving forward as a club will take time.
"Every member of our community will process this in their own way, and we do not take your trust or support for granted.
