North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson was reportedly involved in a verbal altercation with multiple St Kilda players during the first break of Sunday's practice match between the Kangaroos and Saints.
According to 9 News, Clarkson directed an expletive-laden remonstration toward St Kilda player Jimmy Webster following the defender's high collision on Roos co-captain Jy Simpkin in the opening term.
It is understood that Webster's teammate Dougal Howard responded to Clarkson during quarter-time, with the coach then directing further comments towards Howard and other players from the Saints.
According to the report, Clarkson used the term "c---sucker" during his verbal stoush, which was reportedly heard by players, staff and St Kilda Head of AFLW Tess McManus.
Clarkson issued an apology on Monday, stating his actions were "unnecessary" and "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 9 News.
"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 Webster-Simpkin incident sparked an on-field melee during the first term of St Kilda's victory, with Webster currently awaiting the Match Review Officer's findings. It is likely the Tasmanian is referred to the AFL Tribunal, which could hand down a ban longer than five matches for his late and high bump.
Clarkson, a four-time premiership coach, apologised to two VFL players over a decade ago following a verbal altercation during a match between Box Hill and Port Melbourne.
Clarkson is entering his second season with North Melbourne, with his maiden campaign at Arden Street heavily interrupted by personal leave.
The Kangaroos' 2024 season gets underway on Saturday, March 16 against GWS at GIANTS Stadium.