AFL world rallies around Clarkson after call to stand aside

The AFL neighborhood has rallied round Alastair Clarkson as requires a fast finish to the drawn-out investigation into alleged racism at Hawthorn develop louder.

Clarkson has stepped away from his job as North Melbourne coach indefinitely as he continues to cope with the fallout of the continued saga.

Four-time Hawthorn premiership coach Clarkson, his then assistant and now Brisbane Lions head coach Chris Fagan, and ex-Hawk participant welfare supervisor Jason Burt have been named in allegations of racism between 2008 and 2016.

All deny any wrongdoing, however are but to be formally interviewed.

Outgoing AFL boss Gillon McLachlan initially hoped the unbiased investigation would report findings final December, however now says there isn’t a set time-frame.

Fagan issued a press release on Thursday, saying he was “saddened” by Clarkson’s plight and urged for the investigation which has dragged on for greater than eight months to be sped up.

“I know him (Clarkson) to be a person of very good character who has had an overwhelmingly positive influence on the lives of the young men he has coached,“ Fagan said.

“The deeply flawed process that we have been subjected to has taken a heavy toll.

Chris Fagan has released a statement standing by former colleague Alastair Clarkson. Credit: Michael Willson/AFL Photos/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“It has been profoundly damaging and unfair.

“It is my hope that it will very soon come to an appropriate end.”

Even McLachlan has acknowledged the saga wanted to be dropped at a detailed for the sake of all events concerned.

“We understand how much the investigation by the independent panel into allegations of racism has impacted on all people involved, including Alastair, and believe the investigation needs to find resolution,” McLachlan stated on Thursday.

“The AFL supports current efforts to find a mediated outcome that provides fairness and natural justice for all involved, and encourage all parties to work towards a timely and just outcome.”

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Sam Mitchell refused to touch upon his former coach’s determination to step away from North.

Mitchell was again on deck as Hawthorn coach after a bout of COVID-19 when news broke Clarkson was taking time away from the sport.

A four-time premiership participant underneath Clarkson, Mitchell didn’t need to focus on the veteran coach’s determination or their relationship, which is alleged to be virtually non-existent.

Brett Ratten will take over at North Melbourne. Credit: Steve Bell/Getty Images

A narrative emerged this week that Mitchell and Hawthorn had been sad Clarkson gave a speech to AFL academy prospects during which he repeatedly criticised Mitchell’s early grand-final performances.

This follows the ill-fated succession plan that noticed Mitchell exchange Clarkson one season early on the Hawks.

Mitchell stated Clarkson’s determination to take day out was news to him.

“I just read the press release just before and walked out and I thought North Melbourne summed it up well; they asked for privacy and I think me adding to that narrative is not going to help anyone,” Mitchell stated.

Mitchell was requested about his response to the grand-final story however bluntly stated, “I’m not going into it”.

Source: www.perthnow.com.au

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