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.