The AFL is said to be investigating an incident during the weekend’s match between North Melbourne and Port Adelaide where Kangaroos coach Alastair Clarkson reportedly directed vile language in the direction of match officials.
According to 9 News Melbourne, Clarkson used coarse language toward the umpires bench at Blundstone Arena on Saturday, with the league looking to determine whether the profanity used by the senior coach was used at the umpires directly.
“Clarkson was incensed by an umpire decision in the second half and shouted a profanity,” reporter Tom Morris revealed on Wednesday.
“It is accepted by those close to the situation that the four-time premiership coach used foul language, which is audible to officials nearby.
“What the league’s investigation will uncover is whether he shouted it towards the bench of AFL match officials or not.”
“North Melbourne has declined to comment until the investigation is complete. The results of this could be career-defining for Clarkson, whose rap sheet includes 12 misdemeanours of varying degrees since 2006.”
Earlier this year Clarkson was fined $20,000 and handed a suspended two-game ban for ‘conduct unbecoming’ after using inappropriate language toward St Kilda players during a pre-season game.
A further breach by Clarkson prior to the end of the 2025 season would mean he is immediately suspended for two AFL matches and would face any additional sanction for the further breach.
Clarkson was required to undergo pride in sport training, which was approved by the AFL, as part of the punishment that was handed down in March.
North Melbourne are scheduled for a bye during Round 12 before they return to the field against West Coast in Perth on Saturday, June 8. The Kangaroos’ following game will come against Collingwood the weekend after.
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