Alastair Clarkson fined for inappropriate outburst towards St Kilda’s Jimmy Webster and Dougal Howard
Alastair Clarkson has been slapped with a $20,000 fine from the AFL for his “inappropriate” outburst towards St Kilda’s Jimmy Webster and Dougal Howard, but the North Melbourne coach has avoided an immediate suspension.
Clarkson also received a two-match suspension, suspended until the end of the 2025 season, after being found guilty of ‘conduct unbecoming’.
The 55-year-old will be required to attend pride in sport training as approved by the AFL.
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Clarkson was incensed after Webster’s high, late bump on Jy Simpkin - which drew a seven-match ban from the AFL tribunal - left the Kangaroos co-captain in concussion protocols.
The North Melbourne coach had apologised for his “inappropriate” language, which prompted a ‘please explain’ from the AFL.
If Clarkson is again found guilty of “conduct unbecoming” before the end of the 2025 season, he would immediately be suspended for two matches, along with additional sanctions for the further breach.
“Alastair’s conduct does not represent behaviour acceptable to anyone in our game and not what is expected of a senior coach, especially someone of Alastair’s experience,” AFL general counsel Stephen Meade said in a statement.
“While we understand there are emotions attached to the heat of the contest, engaging with an opposition player during the quarter time break and then using language that is both unacceptable and highly inappropriate is something the AFL does not want in the game.”
The $20,000 fine will not be included in the Kangaroos’ soft cap.
The AFL said when determining the sanction it took into account Clarkson’s apology and “acknowledgement that his conduct was inappropriate and unnecessary and his desire to seek help to develop strategies to manage his behaviour”.
