Sydney Swans coach John Longmire has called for a security review after Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson was involved in a physical confrontation with a drunken Port Adelaide fan on Saturday.
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Vision supplied to Channel Seven showed Clarkson being antagonised by a Power fan after the Hawks’ eight-point loss at Adelaide Oval.
The man shouted at Clarkson before the Hawks coach lost his cool and shoved the man in the face with an open palm.
Longmire said beefed up security for AFL coaches needed to be looked at, especially post-game.
“On match days when you’re actually at the ground (security for coaches) is pretty good, there’s terrific security supplied by the AFL and the grounds,” Longmire is quoted as saying by AAP.
“But once the siren goes and you’re with your family or you’re walking across to your car and you want to get going, that needs to be looked at, which is a bit of a shame.”
Clarkson told Channel Seven that he reacted the way he did because he was “fearful” of his safety.
“(I’m) disappointed that I’ve been involved in it but (we were) fearful for our safety, in a sense, with gentlemen that we didn’t know,” Clarkson is quoted as saying by AFL.com.au.
“We knew that they’d been drinking, didn’t know really what their intentions were, we were very, very aware by the dialogue that they were Port Adelaide supporters and just didn’t know where it was going to go.
“We were deeply concerned, particularly as we neared the entrance to the building that they were going to do everything they possibly could to make sure that we stopped.”
The incident followed an emotion-charged clash at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday which saw the Power hold off an incredible late surge by the Hawks to record an eight-point win.
Port Adelaide lead by 58-points during the second quarter, however the Hawks booted 10 goals to Port’s three in the second half to make for a nervy ending for Ken Hinkley’s side.
Clarkson’s men face top-four contenders North Melbourne next Saturday at Etihad Stadium.
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