Alastair Clarkson: North Melbourne coach apologises for verbal outburst following Jimmy Webster bump
North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson has issued an apology for a verbal spray directed toward St Kilda’s Jimmy Webster in the wake of the brutal bump that floored Roos star Jy Simpkin.
Webster will on Monday learn his Match Review fate, with the experienced Saints defender likely to be referred directly to the AFL Tribunal for a hefty suspension after his crude hit in Sunday’s practice match.
Webster jumped off the ground and collected Simpkin in the head with a late bump, causing tensions to flare in the opening term of the clash.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Clarkson reportedly targeted Webster when entering the field of play for his quarter-time address, with multiple outlets reporting an expletive-laden spray that included a prediction of a lengthy ban.
The four-time premiership coach didn’t address reporters after the game, but on Monday issued a statement to apologise for inappropriate language in an “emotional” moment.
“I was deeply disturbed seeing our captain Jy Simpkin forced from the field as a result of a heavy collision just before quarter time,” Clarkson told Nine.
“Jy has had a great pre-season and has now had three concussions in 12 months and I was so disappointed to see him leave the field in that way.
“At the quarter-time break, I voiced my displeasure to St Kilda players Jimmy Webster and Dougal Howard as they made their way to the quarter time huddle.
“This was an exchange that was emotional in defence of our captain, but unnecessary and the language I used was inappropriate.
“I have reached out to Ross Lyon and both the St Kilda players to apologise.”
Clarkson’s statement comes 12 months after he issued an apology to a female journalist for how he spoke to her at training in the wake of allegations against Tarryn Thomas coming to light.
Lyon said post-game that there was “no defence” for Webster’s bump, but his thoughts were with both players.
“He’s really concerned for Jy,” Lyon said.
“Very remorseful but it was a split second action. It’s very difficult. It’s just a very difficult situation.
“Really concerned for both lads, in particular Jy because it was a very heavy physical contact.”
North Melbourne great and respected AFL analyst David King said Webster’s actions warranted a 10-game suspension.
“Ten weeks. Simple as that,” King wrote on X.
