Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan says he is "shocked and deeply distressed" by claims made about Hawthorn's treatment of First Nations players.
An external review instigated by Hawthorn into the treatment of First Nations players at the club was forwarded to the AFL two weeks ago. It resulted in yesterday's announcement by the league of the establishment of an independent panel to investigate allegations.
Fagan and former Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson were named in the review, which is understood to detail allegations by several former players that they were pressured by the club to separate themselves from partners and families.
The review document was handed to Hawthorn's senior management two weeks ago and is now with the AFL integrity unit.
Fagan was an assistant coach and football manager at Hawthorn between 2008 and 2016.
"I was shocked and deeply distressed by the allegations reported in the media yesterday concerning my time at the Hawthorn Football Club," Fagan said in a statement.
"I deny, categorically, the allegations of wrongdoing by me in relation to First Nations players at the Hawthorn Football Club. 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.
"In the meantime, as announced by the Brisbane Lions Football Club yesterday, the club and I have mutually agreed that I will take a leave of absence from the club.
"As the matter is now under investigation I will make no further comment at this stage."
Clarkson, who was due to take up his new position as North Melbourne on November 1, will now delay his arrival at the Kangaroos until the investigation is complete.
Clarkson issued a statement on Wednesday refuting "any allegation of wrongdoing or misconduct".
