The outcome of the investigation into North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson’s alleged expletive-laden outburst will be shaped by whether Clarkson was merely expressing frustration or directing the language at officials.

The AFL probe was grappling with that question on Thursday morning, and it will determine whether the four-time premiership coach will be suspended.

The league was speaking to officials in the vicinity, including a security guard, according to two sources with knowledge of the incident who spoke confidentially because the investigation was in progress.

On Wednesday, the league confirmed Clarkson was the subject of a probe for allegedly using “profane language” in reaction to an umpiring decision while coaching from the bench.

The two sources indicated that the words used were “f---ing c---” . What was said is not being disputed; it is whether the language was directed at anyone that is being investigated, and that is very much in doubt.

Under typical AFL practices, merely swearing on the boundary line would not bring a punishment.

If found guilty of abusing an official, the AFL would have almost no choice but to invoke the suspension hanging over Clarkson because he was handed a suspended two-match penalty for inappropriate language directed at St Kilda players after North skipper Jy Simpkin was knocked out during a pre-season game.

On that occasion, Clarkson was also fined $20,000 for using the homophobic slur “c---sucker”.