Hawthorn senior coach ‘backed’ shocking racism claims in club probe Alastair Clarkson Chris Fagan
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Hawks assistant coach ‘SUPPORT some of the harrowing claims’ in Hawthorn’s racism review that accused Alastair Clarkson and Chris Fagan of pressuring a player to abort a child
- Report claims senior Hawks coach confirmed some players’ allegations
- Legal experts say team will be taken to court if allegations are proven
- Alastair Clarkson and Chris Fagan have both categorically denied the allegations
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A former Hawthorn assistant coach confirmed some of the shocking allegations in the club’s review of its treatment of Indigenous players, a report claims.
Ex-Hawks coach Chris Fagan has joined club legend Alastair Clarkson in denying any wrongdoing in the AFL racism scandal, saying he is “deeply disturbed” by allegations that threaten his coaching career.
Both coaches say they will cooperate with the AFL’s independent investigation into racism claims from their time at Hawthorn, which the federal government has described as “sickening.”
The allegations of racism were reported on Wednesday by the ABC, following an investigation commissioned by Hawthorn earlier this year.
A Hawthorn assistant coach has reportedly confirmed some of the shocking claims First Nations players have made in the club’s external review about racism.
Among the many allegations made by unnamed former Hawthorn players, Fagan and Clarkson were accused of telling a player and his partner to terminate their pregnancy and split up so the player could focus on football.
An assistant coach backed some of the allegations First Nations players had made as part of information he gave to the club’s external review, according to a report in the Herald Sun.
Daily Mail Australia does not suggest that the information the assistant coach provided to the review proves any of the allegations.
The AFL plans to appoint a four-member panel of investigators, led by a King’s Counsel, with league boss Gillon McLachlan hoping the panel will be completed before Saturday’s grand final.
Legal experts believe Hawthorn will face trial if the charges are proven true.
Clarkson has categorically denied the allegations, as his new role at North Melbourne has been suspended while the AFL conducts an independent investigation.
On Thursday, Fagan released a statement expressing his shock at the harrowing allegations and stating that he looks forward to being “heard” during the AFL’s investigation.
“Procedures on several fronts will follow, there is no question of that – not just the immediate participants but their relatives,” veteran player agent Peter Jess – who has previously taken legal action against the AFL – told The age.
“In my view, the fact that no action has been taken, no avenues for them to find a safe haven to handle this properly, is the biggest shortcoming within the AFL.”
Clarkson and Fagan have both categorically denied doing anything wrong during their time at the club, when the Hawks won four premierships.
“I intend to defend myself,” Fagan said in his statement on Thursday.
“I hope people will judge me by the way I actually behave and not by what’s in the media.
“I intend to participate fully in the investigation and I look forward to being heard and given a fair trial and fairness.”
Clarkson’s start on November 1 in his new coaching role at North Melbourne has been postponed due to the AFL’s investigation and Fagan has stepped down as head coach of the Brisbane Lions in light of the allegations.