Brisbane have released a statement saying they will stand by Chris Fagan after the Lions coach was implicated in a bombshell report by ABC Sport’s Russell Jackson.
The report alleges that Fagan, as well as North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson, were central in several disturbing incidents surrounding multiple Hawthorn Indigenous and First Nations players during their time at Waverley Park.
Fagan announced last week that he was taking a leave of absence and would “fully cooperate” with the upcoming investigation into the allegations.
The 61-year-old has since denied any wrongdoing and Lions Chairperson Andrew Wellington says that the club will support the embattled coach as the investigation commences.
“Since Chris Fagan arrived at the Brisbane Lions in October 2016, he has been more than just our Head Coach. He has been a role model, a mentor, and a father figure,” Wellington said via a statement.
“He has played a key role in steering our Club into the strong position it’s in today; integral to our success on and off the field.
“In all of my dealings with Chris over the past six years, he has always made the welfare of our players and staff an utmost priority.
“Chris has been a great supporter of all of our players and their families and has worked hard to ensure our Club provides a culturally safe environment for everyone.
“We stand by Chris as he commits himself to be part of the AFL investigation, which gives him procedural fairness, into allegations concerning historical events at the Hawthorn Football Club, where he was a former employee.
“Chris has categorically denied any wrongdoing. It has been a distressing and difficult week for Chris, his wife Ursula, and his family, as it has for many, and we strongly support his right to a fair, impartial, and independent investigative process.”