Alastair Clarkson was embroiled in an ugly verbal stoush with St Kilda players in the wake of Jimmy Webster's late bump on Jy Simpkin on Sunday.
At quarter-time, Clarkson told Webster he would cop a hefty ban from the tribunal, with expletives among the words used by the four-time premiership coach.
Webster's teammate Dougal Howard responded to Clarkson, who then went back at Howard and other Saints in a derogatory manner.
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Clarkson used the term "c—sucker", which was heard by multiple players, fitness staff and AFLW footy boss Tess McManus, who was also nearby.
One onlooker described Clarkson's spray as "explosive." This version of events was corroborated by multiple sources.
St Kilda coach Ross Lyon did not hear his opposite number's verbal barrage.
It's not the first time Clarkson has used offensive language in the heat of the moment. In 2013 he hurled an insult towards an AFL.com.au reporter.
In the same year, he apologised for verbally abusing two Port Melbourne players during a VFL game.
Last year, he took aim at Channel 9 reporter Elisabeth Moss and later apologised for his actions.
In a statement provided to 9News, Alastair Clarkson apologised for his behaviour and labelled his language "inappropriate.
"I was deeply disturbed seeing our captain Jy Simpkin forced from the field as a result of a heavy collision just before quarter time," Clarkson told 9News.
"Jy has had a great pre-season and has now had three concussions in 12 months and I was so disappointed to see him leave the field in that way.
"At the quarter-time break, I voiced my displeasure to St Kilda players Jimmy Webster and Dougal Howard as they made their way to the quarter time huddle.
"This was an exchange that was emotional in defence of our captain, but unnecessary and the language I used was inappropriate.
"I have reached out to Ross Lyon and both the St Kilda players to apologise."
The Saints declined to comment when contacted by 9News on Monday morning.
Webster is understood to be remorseful for his actions as the Saints brace for a hefty penalty.
He was intending to reach out to Simpkin directly on Monday morning. In an unusual twist of events, his two sisters both commented on Facebook on Sunday, referencing the sickening incident.
Maddi Webster posted: "Oh Jimmy." followed by a laughing and face palm emoji.
Alysha Webster said "goodnight" on the post of the incident, while his younger brother Jay commented "fair bump play on."
All three comments were deleted shortly after.
Simpkin was in reasonable spirits after the incident, but is unlikely to be risked for Round 1 despite a 13-day gap between games, particularly due to his history of head knocks.
Meanwhile, clubs have been told in recent days the 12-day return-to-play protocols will remain in place for the 2024 season.
Some subtle changes will be announced as early as this week though, with more scrutiny afforded to players who are returning from concussion.
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