North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson is being investigated by the AFL for using profane language towards umpires, the AFL has confirmed.
The investigation came after the North Melbourne coach allegedly directed vile language towards the umpire’s bench during Saturday’s loss to Port Adelaide in Hobart. AFL spokesperson Jay Allen confirmed that the incident occurred when Clarkson was coaching from the bench.
The language was audible to others including match officials, following an umpire decision.
Clarkson has found himself at the centre of multiple controversies since taking over as North Melbourne coach, including apologising for a foul-mouthed outburst directed at St Kilda’s Jimmy Webster during a pre-season game in early March.
The four-time premiership coach also apologised for an incident in 2023 for an incident with a news reporter when a media pack gathered at Arden Street in the wake of reports in the Herald Sun that ex-Roo Tarryn Thomas threatened and intimidated multiple women.
As reported by SEN at the time, Clarkson told Channel Nine reporter Elisabeth Moss that ‘your time will come’.
Clarkson was fined $20,000 for the Webster incident and was hit with a two-game suspended ban. The ban will be activated if he is found guilty of conducting unbecoming before the end of the 2025 season.
North Melbourne has the week off in Round 12 with the bye.
The Kangaroos are 0-11 in 2024 and sit at the bottom of the ladder.
