Richmond have confirmed AFL premiership coach Damien Hardwick was involved in an exchange of words with Williamstown players during a heated VFL clash on Saturday.
According to a News Corp report, Hardwick allegedly called Seagulls players “weak f***ing pricks” at quarter time in the contest at Punt Road Oval.
The blow-up followed an on-field incident, with footage showing Williamstown player Darby Henderson being pushed into the fence by Richmond’s Rhyan Mansell.
Henderson retaliated, appearing to strike Mansell with an elbow to the back from behind, knocking the AFL-listed Tiger to the ground.
The contact left Mansell clutching at his back and a melee ensued before he took his free kick.
Hardwick, who was watching from the sidelines, got involved at the break in play.
“The club acknowledges there was an exchange of words following an incident in the first quarter which led to a Williamstown player being reported for rough conduct,” the Tigers said in a club statement.
“As far as the club is concerned, that is the end of the matter.”
The AFL has not responded to requests for comment and it is unclear if the league will take any action against Hardwick.
The incident occurred less than 24 hours after Richmond’s AFL finals hopes took a hit in the bizarre draw with Fremantle on Friday night.
The Tigers sit ninth, with just one win in the last five rounds.
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