Alastair Clarkson investigated by AFL for alleged vile language at umpires

Just months after his sanction for abuse towards St Kilda players, the Roos coach is once again under investigation by the AFL for alleged abusive language at umpires.

North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson is being investigated by the AFL for allegedly using abusive language towards match officials on the bench in the loss to Port Adelaide on Saturday.

The league confirmed it is probing an incident which could trigger a suspended two-match suspension for Clarkson over a homophobic slur he made in a preseason game against St Kilda.

The AFL is trying to determine what Clarkson shouted on Saturday and whether it was directed at anyone in particular following an umpire’s decision.

Alastair Clarkson is under investigation. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

AFL spokesperson Jay Allen confirmed the league was looking into an incident on Saturday where North Melbourne coach Clarkson, coaching from the bench “used profane language that was audible to others (including match officials) following an umpire’s decision”.

The league said an update will be provided once enquiries are completed.

If found guilty, Clarkson is facing a two game ban from coaching, having been hit with a suspended sentence after his pre-season tirade against Saint Jimmy Webster.

Webster was banned for seven weeks for a high bump on Roos captain Jy Simpkin, with Clarkson using a homophobic slur at Webster.

He was handed a $20,000 fine and a two-game ban, suspended until the end of the 2025 season, and would serve the ban if he was found guilty of a similar offence.

Clarkson’s rap sheet includes 12 misdemeanours since 2006, which includes the Webster slur.