AFL reaches verdict following investigation in Clarkson incident

North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson has avoided any sanction from the AFL following an investigation into coarse language used by the coach during the Round 11 match at Blundstone Arena between the Roos and Port Adelaide.

The AFL led an investigation into whether foul language used by Clarkson was directed towards match officials, with those nearby to the situation aiding the league’s inquiry given Clarkson’s verbal stoush was produced close to the umpires bench.

The AFL has since confirmed it wasn’t “comfortably satisfied” that Clarkson directed his frustration directly towards match officials, with no sanction being handed down by the league.

“The AFL this week made inquiries into an incident involving North Melbourne Senior Coach Alastair Clarkson during Saturday afternoon’s match in Hobart,” a statement from the AFL read.

“The AFL was made aware of the alleged comments by a match day official post-game who heard the comments, with the AFLIU following up the report.

“Clarkson has admitted to loudly swearing and using inappropriate language while standing near the umpires and officials’ bench in response to an umpiring decision during the third quarter.

“After talking to match officials,  the AFL was not able to be comfortably satisfied that Clarkson’s swearing was directed towards a specific person or persons and in particular an AFL match official or officials and as such no finding of a breach of AFL Rules has been made.”

Clarkson admitted to using foul language near the umpires and officials’ bench in response to an on-field decision.

“I acknowledge that during the third quarter of Saturday’s game in a moment of frustration I lost my temper and swore while I was coaching from the bench,” Clarkson said.

“It was undisciplined by me and I have expressed my apologies to the AFL.

“As a club we can do without these distractions and as such I have agreed that it’s best if I remain in the coaches box on match days for the rest of this season.

“In the meantime I’ll continue to seek support on how I deal with these moments.”

Having avoided a sanction for ‘conduct unbecoming’, Clarkson has not seen his suspended two-game ban triggered following an incident involving St Kilda players earlier this year.

That suspended ban remains in place until the end of the 2025 season.

Clarkson and the Kangaroos have a bye this weekend and will return to action in Round 13 against West Coast.