HAWTHORN coach Alastair Clarkson has apologised for his outburst last weekend and vowed to become a positive role model  for coaches at all levels after copping an AFL sanction on Thursday.

Clarkson will have a $5000 fine hanging over his head for two years after the AFL ruled that he acted in a threatening or aggressive manner towards Essendon captain Matthew Lloyd as the pair was leaving the field at the end of the Hawks' round 22 loss to the Bombers.

In a statement realeased on  Thursday, Clarkson said he regretted what happened at the MCG last Saturday.

"I apologise for my actions after Saturday’s match and any embarrassment caused to the AFL," Clarkson said.
 
"I believe senior coaches should model appropriate behaviour and I fully intend to set a positive example for coaches and others involved across all levels of football."

Clarkson's $5000 suspended fine will stand until the end of the 2011 season and be enforced if he commits another indiscretion in that time.

League football operations manager Adrian Anderson said the AFL had received a written report from ground security and he had written to Clarkson and Hawthorn Football Club, seeking an explanation for what occurred.
 
"The AFL is concerned about the potential for such situations to escalate on the ground and also the need for AFL coaches to set a positive example for coaches at all levels," Anderson said.

Anderson said the AFL had taken into account Clarkson’s apology before deciding upon the penalty.