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Brisbane Lions chairman Andrew Wellington has thrown his support behind senior coach Chris Fagan, who is preparing to be a part of an investigation into allegations of racism at Hawthorn.
- Andrew Wellington says Chris Fagan has been a "role model, a mentor, and a father figure at the club"
- Wellington says the Lions "support Fagan's right to a fair, impartial, and independent investigative process"
- Fagan has denied allegations of wrongdoing relating to his time at Hawthorn which were contained in a club-commissioned report
Fagan and former Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson were named in external review instigated by Hawthorn into the treatment of First Nations players at the club, which is understood to detail allegations by several former players that they were pressured by the club to separate themselves from partners and families.
Fagan, who was an assistant coach and football manager at Hawthorn between 2008 and 2016, last week "categorically denied allegations of wrongdoing" while confirming he will take a leave of absence while the independent and external investigation takes place.
Clarkson also refuted any allegations of misconduct or wrongdoing, and has delayed his start date as coach of North Melbourne to participate in the investigation.
Wellington said it has been a "distressing and difficult" week for Fagan and his family, while praising his character and leadership while at the Lions.
"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 in a statement released by the Lions.
"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 their family, as it has for many, and we strongly support his right to a fair, impartial, and independent investigative process."
Fagan released a statement on Thursday saying he was "shocked and deeply distressed" by the allegations.
"I deny, categorically, the allegations of wrongdoing by me in relation to First Nations players at the Hawthorn Football Club," Fagan's said last week.
"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."
The AFL is yet to confirm the make up of the independent panel which will carry out the investigation.