‘Farce of a process’: Lions coach Chris Fagan slams AFL investigation

As the AFL terminated its investigation into the Hawthorn racism allegations, Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan has blasted the process.

Chris Fagan has hit out. Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan has released a statement after the AFL brought an end to its independent investigation into historical allegations of racism at Hawthorn.

CEO Gillon McLachlan revealed the AFL was “terminating” the investigation and that “no adverse findings have been made in the independent investigation against any of the individuals against which any of the allegations have been made”.

It means no findings against the likes of Alastair Clarkson, Fagan and former Hawthorn welfare manager Jason Burt.

The trio had repeatedly denied wrongdoing.

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After McLachlan fronted the media on Tuesday night, Fagan once again professed his innocence.

Fagan stated he had “maintained my public silence” throughout the investigation and said the conclusion of the investigation was “long overdue”.

“I have been in footy for a long time – most of my life,” Fagan’s statement read. “In that time I have had the interests of the welfare of my players as my foremost consideration. I have treated all players with equality and fairness.

“I have always respected the tremendous contribution that First Nations people have made to our game and I respect them greatly. I always have. I always will. And I am conscious that this farce of a process cannot have been easy on those First Nations people who were complainants. Those whom I knew, I hold no grudges against and hold only a wish that whatever pain they are suffering can be healed over time.

Fagan and Clarkson were cleared by the AFL. Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images

“The combination of the AFL investigation, the ABC article that was published making very serious allegations against me, and the leaks that have occurred to the press, have amounted to a travesty of justice. It has caused tremendous hurt to me those who care about me, and other people whom I know to be innocent of wrongdoing, such as Clarko and Jason Burt. These are fine men and they have been publicly shamed by false allegations.

“The complainants, the investigation panel and the AFL have agreed that no adverse findings have been made against me, Alastair Clarkson and Jason Burt, and that no charges will be brought against any of us under the AFL Rules. It has been further agreed by the complainants, the panel and the AFL that the matters the subject of the investigation will not be investigated further by the panel.

“These matters are also fully justified. I have always categorically denied all of the allegations against me. The allegations are false. I am completely innocent. I have never deviated from that position as I knew from the beginning that the allegations were false. I have never had my chance to publicise my position on the allegations that the ABC chose to air publicly.

“Prior to the agreement referred to above being reached, the documents held by Hawthorn that the complainants had refused to release to me were released to me, very recently, with their consent. Those same documents were in the possession of both the investigation panel and the AFL for consideration by those parties for a significant time prior to their release to me. I am bound by a confidentiality deed not to disclose the contents of the documents. But I can say that they support the categorical denials of the allegations against me that I have stated from the outset. I can also say that for my part, I would be completely happy for all of these documents to be made public.

Gillon McLachlan faced the media. Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

“I am happy for any of my conduct and any documents to be aired publicly in a public court or proper public process and let someone impartial decide what is true and what is false.

“I am not a party to the agreement between the complainants, the investigation panel and the AFL. But I stand vindicated by it.

“I have made no concessions. There are none to make. I have always vigorously defended myself, and will always do so, as I have done nothing wrong.

“I have from the start received countless messages of support, including from very many First Nations players I coached at Hawthorn, Melbourne and now at the Brisbane Lions. I wish to take the opportunity to thank all of the people who have supported me. The investigation has taken a very damaging toll on my family and me, and the many people involved in the investigation.

“I am glad that it has finally been brought to an end.”

Fagan and Clarkson were both part of the coaching staff at Hawthorn through the club’s four-time premiership winning era.

While Clarkson was the head coach at Hawthorn between 2005 and 2021, Fagan was at the club between 2008 and 2016, first as a head of coaching and development and after 2013 as general manager of football.