Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson was been slapped with a $20,000 fine by the AFL for his criticism of the umpires following the Hawks’ loss to Gold Coast.
“I’m not allowed to comment on disgraceful umpiring so I’m better off not saying anything, aren’t I?” Clarkson replied when asked about a contentious 50m penalty in his post-match press conference.
The coach publicly apologised for the remark on Sunday, but was still issued with the fine, $15,000 of which is suspended until the end of the 2018 season.
The AFL agreed to let Clarkson donate his $5,000 fine to the Freeze MND charity fronted by former Melbourne coach Neale Daniher.
“The AFL took into account the public apology from Alastair on Sunday afternoon, and also the fact he made direct contact with AFL umpiring director Peter Schwab to speak to him personally,” AFL football chief Simon Lethlean said.
“Alastair relayed to me that he regretted his comments in the aftermath of his post-match conference and was aware they had crossed the line beyond what was acceptable in how umpires are treated and spoken about, and hence he organised to be able to apologise publicly during Sunday’s broadcast of the Carlton-GWS match.
“As a senior figure in our game, and one of our leading coaches, Alastair is well aware that such remarks are extremely serious in regard to the professionalism of the umpires and our ability to continue to attract officials to our game at all levels.
“The umpiring department and the AFL were appreciative that Alastair and the club moved quickly to apologise for the statements made.”
Clarkson was asked about a 50m penalty incurred by Hawks youngster Kaiden Brand late in the 16-point loss.
“It was probably a poor choice of words,” Clarkson told Fox Footy.
“In no way was I trying to tarnish the umpiring or the AFL, but I just got caught up in the emotion of the game. That decision had only happened 15 minutes earlier.
“I apologise to the umps and also to the AFL. It’s a really emotional game and I just got caught up with it.”
The loss consigned Hawthorn to 17th on the ladder with a 4-8 record.
Penster
Roar Guru
Clutching at straws as usual.
Birdman
Guest
agree that Clarko's apology was meaningless and performed for the AFL's optics only but then it shouldn't mean anything anyway. the fact remains, the umps were horrible even if they didn't make the difference in the end.
Birdman
Guest
yeah of course the umps were a big factor in the Hawks 3 peating, Cat - salty much? BTW I think you'll find #freekickhawthorn was more 2016 'thing'
Birdman
Guest
worth everything cent of the $5k just to hear it and it will help the MND cause which is the greater good here.
Cat
Roar Guru
Funny when it was all #freekickhawthorn helping the three peat along, Clarko had no issues with the umpiring.
Axle and the Guru
Guest
Criticism where it's due,two umpires were instructing players,it was disgraceful and needs to be called for what it is.
bobburra
Guest
Totally agree...
Leonard
Guest
Totally minus the subtlety and class of Kanga's famous quip about 'definitely no comment'. Sad that Hawthorn's most successful coach is still a boorish whinger who spits dummies and stamps his little feet when anybody dares to do or say anything which offends him. As for the ritual 'apology', reputationally - not worth a brass razoo.
bobburra
Guest
I agree that the umpires are "koalas", however that is the rule at the moment, you cannot say negative comments on umpires. Clarkson, in my opinion deliberately made a calculated comment. He now has to "pay the penalty" until the end of 2018.Under the rules correctly penalised. As far as Buckley is concerned, a difference of 5 free kicks over the course of the match and he calls it an "imbalance". A drowning man will grab at anything.He says that's the best that Collingwood can offer,that they are playing really good football, well if that's the best, it's no wonder they are out of the eight, and staying there for a while to come, one would think.
jonty smith
Roar Guru
Exactly. Good on you Alastair!!! If only Buckley had the guts. I'd love to see the umpires play a game of footy and get sledged, see how they handle that
themadchatter
Guest
At least he has the guts to comment on frequently shitty decisions by the umpires. Don't even know why he was penalised for his comments. Are the umpires that sensitive it costs that much to speak our against them
bobburra
Guest
I don't know how anybody can defend Clarkson. If that comment was not deliberate I don't know what is. Clarko has been around a long time and flown close to the wind on a number of occasions, this time it caught up with him. Interesting that when the Hawks were winning flags and some of those "iffy' decisions came along he just went with the flow, now his is becoming an "angry man". Just read his comment,in my opinion it stands out he knew exactly what he was saying. His "apology" was an attempt to lessen the penalty, no more, nothing less. Got his just whack.
George
Guest
The AFL is drunk with power. Clarko hardly said anything!