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According to Fagan – formerly an assistant coach to Clarkson at the Hawks – it was reported that he was unwilling to participate in mediation. He said this was wrong and that he never said he would be unwilling to be involved in mediation.

TheAFL appointed a four-person panel to lead an “independent investigation into allegations of racist behaviour,bullying,and/or other inappropriate conduct” by the Hawks between 2008 and 2016.

AnotherHerald Sun article published suggested that 18 “demands” had been imposed on Fagan,Clarkson,and administrator Jason Burt as a condition of a potential mediation.

Fagan said no such “demands” have ever been communicated to him or to his lawyers.

Fagan said,like all other participants in the investigation,he was bound by a confidentiality deed,but was “deeply concerned” that others were breaching those obligations “by causing confidential information concerning the investigation to be imparted to journalists”.

Alastair Clarkson’s new side,North Melbourne,lost to St Kilda on Sunday.Credit:AFL Photos

“I deny categorically any wrongdoing by me. I have long been willing to participate in a fair process concerning the allegations against me,but everyone has an equal right to fair treatment,” Fagan said.

“I wish no more,and no less,than to be afforded this right.”

Clarkson and Burt have also denied any wrongdoing. Clarkson was aware of Fagan’s statementwhen he spoke to reporters on Sunday night but was yet to read it,so he declined to comment.

But the four-time Hawthorn premiership coach made clear his frustration at still not having a chance to speak to,and give his version of events,to the investigation panel.

“We are now nearing seven-and-a-half or eight months[since the investigation started],and we still haven’t had an opportunity to sit in front of them,which is extraordinary,really,” Clarkson said.

“We’re looking forward to the day that we get that chance.”

Asked directly if he would be open to mediation,Clarkson said “first and foremost” he wanted to speak to the investigation panel before considering “anything else”.

Hawthorn Football Club said they did not wish to comment on Fagan’s statement. TheHerald Sun was contacted for comment.

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