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waiting

Tiger Legend
Apr 15, 2007
14,058
9,171
Victoria

CLARKSON “SHOCKED” AND DENIES ANY WRONGDOING IN STATEMENT ON RACISM CLAIMS​

BY SEN 12 MINUTES AGO

Alastair Clarkson says he was “shocked” by claims of racism directed at him and refutes any allegation of wrongdoing.

Clarkson - along with Brisbane coach Chris Fagan - was named in a report by the ABC on Wednesday morning that levelled disturbing claims against the duo and their behaviour towards indigenous players and their families at Hawthorn.

That report was based on an external review commissioned by the Hawks into racism at the club.

Both Clarkson from North Melbourne and Fagan from Brisbane have since stood down pending the AFL's investigation into the matter, and both say they will fully co-operate.

In a statement released by his management on Wednesday afternoon, Clarkson says he was not interviewed to participate in Hawthorn’s review and the welfare of all those at Hawthorn was his highest priority while at the club.

The ABC maintains in its report that it afforded Clarkson and Fagan the right of reply but none responded to questions at the time of publish.

Read the full statement from Clarkson below

The health, care and welfare of our players, staff and their families were always my highest priorities during my time at Hawthorn Football Club.

I was therefore shocked by the extremely serious allegations reported in the media earlier today. I was not interviewed by the authors of the report commissioned by the Club, and nor have I been provided with a copy of the report.

I was not afforded any due process and I refute any allegation of wrongdoing or misconduct and look forward to the opportunity to be heard as part of the AFL external investigation.

I have today contacted the President of North Melbourne Football Club and we have mutually agreed that I will step back from my responsibilities at the Club so I can fully cooperate in the investigation.

As the matters are now subject to an investigation, I will not make any further comment at this stage.
 

Little Ziggyadee

Tiger Legend
Dec 30, 2021
10,276
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In these reports why aren't there ever names attached to the people that had grievances with the club and if so, noone makes you stay in an environment that is toxic.
That's the bit I don't get, the players couldve told Hawthorn to get fked and stick it up your ass.
 
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WesternTiger

Tiger Legend
Nov 7, 2004
14,673
3,533
In these reports why aren't there ever names attached to the people that had grievances with the club and if so, noone makes you stay in an environment that is toxic.
That's the bit I don't get, the players couldve told Hawthorn to get fked and stick it up your ass.
Yeah well Zips just shows how naive you are.
 
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jb03

Tiger Legend
Jan 28, 2004
33,856
12,108
Melbourne
That the allegations are true and that Clarkson believed he did nothing wrong are not mutually exclusive.
 
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The_General

It's been a very hard working from home
Staff member
May 4, 2004
10,915
7,011
Might be a few less father sons at Kangas if he stays the full 5 years.
Innocent until proven guilty and all that, but if true, he should be finished.
I think the AFL will get to the bottom of it and give us a detailed and accurate account.
 
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TigerForce

Tiger Legend
Apr 26, 2004
70,725
21,650
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Might be a few less father sons at Kangas if he stays the full 5 years.
Innocent until proven guilty and all that, but if true, he should be finished.
I think the AFL will get to the bottom of it and give us a detailed and accurate account.
Hmm....let's see.
 
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WesternTiger

Tiger Legend
Nov 7, 2004
14,673
3,533
Why naive? Clarkson and Fagan weren't involved in the report.
Let's see what the outcome is.
That you don't understand why peoples names are redacted from reports that are released and that you think it would be an easy decision for the average First Nation's teenager to tell the club to stick it and remove themselves from the enviornment.
 
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Little Ziggyadee

Tiger Legend
Dec 30, 2021
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That you don't understand why peoples names are redacted from reports that are released and that you think it would be an easy decision for the average First Nation's teenager to tell the club to stick it and remove themselves from the enviornment.
Fair enough then.
We are are the best when it comes to working and teaching indigenous kids.
We have had some great players over the years that have never said a bad word about our great club.
 
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DragaTheCro

Tiger Champion
Apr 20, 2004
2,991
2,703
Watching Eddie Betts speak now on 360 and I teared up. He is still experiencing racism in everyday life. So sad.
 
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Number8

Tiger Superstar
Oct 12, 2010
1,193
2,799
Melbourne
The more I've thought about it today the more sure I am he will come through as coach of North.

Will be hard to substantiate the allegations and will end up being word against word.
I'm not so sure. Allegations such as a partner undertaking an abortion at the behest of the club shouldn't be too hard to substantiate.

Each quoted person in the ABC's article seemed to be singing from the same hymn book. Too many accounts to be a contrivance.

Then there are the optics. Will North choose to remain tightly associated with someone who has serious allegations hanging over their head? What about the AFL, which stands to lose a lot of skin if the allegations are stood by? Does Clarkson really need the intense media glare on him as this plays out?

It only takes one person to break ranks for the whole show to come down. If there is a shred of truth to the matter, I think it will come out.

My gut feeling only—a few Hawthorn people will be wrestling with their conscience tonight.
 
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btoz_01

Tiger Legend
Apr 5, 2004
11,036
5,455
Might be a few less father sons at Kangas if he stays the full 5 years.
Innocent until proven guilty and all that, but if true, he should be finished.
I think the AFL will get to the bottom of it and give us a detailed and accurate account.
If the AFL want to bury the whole saga they’ll refer the matter to the FARC guy
 
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TigerMasochist

Walks softly carries a big stick.
Jul 13, 2003
25,567
11,443
The more I've thought about it today the more sure I am he will come through as coach of North.

Will be hard to substantiate the allegations and will end up being word against word.
Always the problem of he said, she said without being able to produce any valid proofs.
All those involved will however be irreversibly *smile* stained by the allegations and it's virtually impossible to see how they can continue on in their careers when there are indigenous players at every club.