North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson facing two-match ban over ‘vile language’

North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson is facing a potential ban after the AFL launched an investigation into “profanity” towards umpires.

The AFL is investigating North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson after allegedly using “vile language” during his side’s 59-point loss to Port Adelaide over the weekend.

AFL spokesperson Jay Allen confirmed the league was investigating the incident where Clarkson is alleged to have used profane language, although the investigation will delve into whether it was directed at umpires.

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Channel 9’s Tom Morris broke the news on Wednesday evening.

“Clarkson was incensed by an umpiring decision in the second half and shouted a profanity,” Morris told on 9News.

“It is accepted those close to the situation that the four-time premiership coach used vile language which was audible to officials nearby.

“But what the league’s investigation will uncover was whether he shouted it towards the bench of AFL match officials or not.”

It could be a consequential investigation from the AFL with Clarkson having a suspended two-game suspension after he was fined $20,000 for using a reported homophobic slur against St Kilda’ s Jimmy Webster after his sickening pre-season bump on the Kangaroos’ Jy Simpkin.

Morris said North Melbourne had refused to comment until the end of the investigation.

“The results of this could be career defining for Clarkson, whose rap sheet includes 12 demeanours for varying degrees since 2006,” Morris said on Nine.

Clarkson with Port coach Ken Hinkley after the match. Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Speaking on AFL 360, Mark Robinson didn’t reveal the two words used but said they were “two of the worst words you can use in the English language”.

“My understanding is that Clarkson said those words but didn’t direct them at anyone,” Robinson said.

“Clarkson hasn’t denied using those words but he’s told people he didn’t direct them at anybody and the AFL is trying to further establish that.”

Robinson it appeared he was saying the words into the ether, but added the AFL had a decision to make over whether

“The AFL can’t walk past that,” Robinson said.

“I’m not here to hang Alastair Clarkson — I think he does a pretty good job of that himself — but how can the AFL possibly walk past that.

“I think there are bigger crimes than that … other people will say that’s disgusting.”

Robinson said he would be surprised if the AFL banned him for two weeks but added he didn’t think the league could let it go.

Originally published as North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson facing two-match ban over ‘vile language’