Hawthorn racism: Chris Fagan ‘deeply distressed’, categorically denies racism allegations

Brisbane coach Chris Fagan says he is “shocked and deeply distressed” by allegations of racism during his time at Hawthorn and has denied any wrongdoing against Indigenous players.

Fagan took a leave of absence from his role at the Lions on Wednesday amid the explosive report and subsequent external investigation into how Indigenous players were treated at the Hawks during his time there.

In his first statement since the story broke, the 61-year-old said he welcomed the investigation and intended to defend himself.

“I was shocked and deeply distressed by the allegations reported in the media yesterday concerning my time at the Hawthorn Football Club,” Fagan said in a statement to AFL media.

“I deny, categorically, the allegations of wrongdoing by me in relation to First Nations players at the Hawthorn Football Club.

“I have had very positive relationships with First Nations players throughout my many years in football, and, indeed players from different racial and ethnic groups.

“I had no opportunity to, and did not, participate in any way in the review commissioned by the Hawthorn Football Club.

“I was not interviewed. Nor was I invited to be interviewed. No one associated with the review ever put any allegation to me for a response.

“I intend to defend myself. It is my hope that people will judge me based upon the way I actually conduct myself and not by what is written in the media.

“I support and welcome the investigation announced by the AFL yesterday. I intend to participate fully in the investigation and look forward to being heard and being accorded due process and fairness.

“In the meantime, as announced by the Brisbane Lions Football Club yesterday, the club and I have mutually agreed that I will take a leave of absence from the club.

“As the matter is now under investigation I will make no further comment at this stage.”

Camera Icon Chris Fagan and Alastair Clarkson during their Hawthorn stint. Credit: Michael Willson/AFL Media

It comes after former Hawthorn coach turned North Melbourne leader Alastair Clarkson similarly refuted “any allegation of wrongdoing or misconduct” in a statement on Wednesday.

The Kangaroos announced Clarkson’s planned November 1 start date would be delayed pending the investigation.

Former Hawthorn football boss Jason Burt has also taken indefinite leave from his role as head of coaching and performance sport at Melbourne school Caulfield Grammar while the review takes place.

The independent four-person panel is expected to be announced either Thursday and Friday with suggestions it will be comprise two women and two Indigenous representatives.