Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan claims he and Cyril Rioli had the “best of friendships” when the pair had been collectively at Hawthorn however says he hasn’t spoken to the previous Hawks star since 2019
Rioli was amongst a gaggle of ex-Hawthorn gamers who final week publicly declared they had been “betrayed” by the membership and would lodge a criticism with the Australian Human Rights Commission for “endured racism“ at the Hawks.
In historical claims of racism, Fagan, former Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson and the club’s ex-welfare manager Jason Burt were accused of mistreating First Nations players and their families.
However, the AFL last week announced there were no adverse findings against Clarkson, Fagan or Burt over the racism allegations after concluding an independent investigation,
Ahead of the Lions’ clash with the Hawks on Saturday, Fagan said he “loved” his time at Hawthorn however was “disappointed” he wasn’t spoken to earlier than final yr’s launch of the Egan racism report.
“I had 10 great years there – they were very successful years,” stated Fagan, who was a part of the membership’s soccer division throughout a golden period that included 4 premierships.
“I made lots and lots of friendships, so my feeling towards Hawthorn has never changed. I’m very fond of the place.
“(But) I’m a little bit disappointed with a couple of people there for the way the Egan report was set up.
“The fact that not everybody was spoken to in that process, that doesn‘t seem quite right to me.
“That’s a little bit frustrating, but that’s my only frustration. I love the Hawthorn footy club. I thoroughly love the premiership guys that I spent a lot of time with.”
They embody Rioli, who was at Hawthorn from 2008 to 2018.
“With regards to Cyril and I, we had the best of friendships while I was there,” Fagan stated.
However, he stated the pair had not spoken in 4 years.
“(It was in) 2019. He came down to go to the Big Freeze. Neale Daniher rang me and asked me if I could organise Cyril to come because we had a great friendship,” Fagan stated.
“(The relationship) is not strained from my perspective because the only interactions I’ve ever had with him have been positive.”
Fagan maintained he had a “clear conscience” concerning the racism saga.
“There might be more to come with the Human Rights Commission or maybe the Federal Court … (but) as far I‘m concerned, the AFL investigation panel last week said there were no adverse findings against myself, ‘Clarko’ or Jason Burt,” he stated.
“I‘m happy enough to go into any forum and talk about anything. As I’ve said from the start, I’ve got a very clear conscience.
“I sleep well at night and I’ll do whatever I have to do to clear my name.”
Source: www.news.com.au
