- Alastair Clarkson is under investigation
- AFL investigates allegation of ‘blasphemous language’
- Comes just three months after homophobic slur
North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson is under AFL investigation and faces possible suspension over allegations he directed a foul-mouthed outburst towards the referee’s bench during a match.
The AFL has confirmed it is investigating allegations that Clarkson used “blasphemous language” following a referee’s decision during the 59-point loss to Port Adelaide last Saturday.
The league is trying to determine exactly what Clarkson said and whether the allegedly offensive language was directed at officials.
The incident could lead to Clarkson facing a two-match ban for the homophobic slur he used against St Kilda players during a friendly in March.
“The league is investigating an incident on Saturday where North Melbourne coach Clarkson, coaching from the bench, used profanity that was audible to others (including match officials) following a referee’s decision,” AFL spokesman Jay Allen said in a statement on Wednesday. night.
Alastair Clarkson is subject to a new AFL investigation after a new allegation
“An update will be provided once the investigation is complete.”
North Melbourne has been contacted by AAP but declined to comment while the AFL investigation is ongoing.
It comes less than three months after Clarkson was found guilty of ‘conduct unbecoming’ for his expletive-laden tirade against St Kilda’s Jimmy Webster and Dougal Howard during a practice match.
The 55-year-old used the homophobic slur “c******er” during that conversation with the Saints players and was fined $20,000 as well as given a two-match suspension, which was suspended until the end of the 2025 season.
If Clarkson is found guilty of ‘conduct unbecoming’ again, he would trigger the two-match ban and face additional sanctions for the further offence.
After the incident in March, Clarkson apologized to the St Kilda players and promised he would work to keep his temper in check.
The North Melbourne coach is said to have used ‘blasphemous language’ against the referees
“I’m disappointed that I let the emotion of the moment surround me and that I shouldn’t have involved myself with the St Kilda players,” Clarkson said at the time.
‘I have since apologized to St Kilda coach Ross Lyon, Jimmy Webster and Dougal Howard for the way I reacted.
‘This has been an important moment of reflection for me.
‘My language was not used with the intention of defaming or marginalizing, but this incident has made me understand the impact of using informal language.
‘I am fully committed to training myself in this.’
Former Hawthorn coach Clarkson has a long history of flare-ups and confrontations, including 12 fouls since 2006.