Alastair Clarkson has copped a $20,000 fine for his expletive-laden quarter-time outburst at St Kilda footballers last weekend, and will be suspended for two games if he re-offends before the end of next year.

The AFL announced the North Melbourne coach’s penalty on Friday afternoon after issuing him with a “please explain” on Monday, in reaction to him allegedly using the word “c---sucker” during a verbal tirade towards Saint Jimmy Webster after his bump on Jy Simpkin.

Clarkson also must attend league-approved pride in sport training, while the fine will not be included in the Kangaroos’ soft cap.

The AFL’s sanction considered that the four-time premiership coach had apologised for his actions at the start of the week, and acknowledged his conduct was inappropriate and unnecessary. Clarkson also showed a desire to seek help to develop strategies to manage his behaviour.

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The AFL’s general counsel Stephen Meade said Clarkson’s behaviour was unacceptable and not what was expected of any senior coach, particularly one of his experience.

“While we understand there are emotions attached to the heat of the contest, engaging with an opposition player during the quarter-time break and then using language that is both unacceptable and highly inappropriate is something the AFL does not want in the game,” Meade said.

Webster received a seven-match suspension on Tuesday night after leaving the ground to hit Simpkin, who was concussed in the incident, which occurred in the clubs’ Community Series clash last Sunday.

More to come