Second charge a cloud on Freo

THE storm engulfing Fremantle is growing, with the club referring another complaint about an employee to the AFL’s integrity unit.

Dockers coach Ross Lyon hit the headlines last week after he was accused of being the Fremantle official at the centre of a sexual harassment complaint. The incident allegedly happened several years ago at the club’s Christmas function.

The former employee who made that complaint has reportedly received a payout of more than $100,000 to settle the issue.

Lyon’s future has been called into question over that incident. And the club was in damage control yesterday when it was revealed another complaint had been made on a separate matter.

The club didn’t say whether Lyon was the subject of the second complaint as well, which was made over the past week. Dockers president Dale Alcock said the man who made the complaint didn’t want to take the matter further.

However, Fremantle has still sent the matter to the AFL’s integrity unit to be investigated.

Alcock said if anyone else has a problem with an employee at the club, he will direct the complaint to the AFL’s integrity services unit.

“We will co-operate fully with any investigation that is undertaken as part of this process,” Alcock said.

The drama surrounding Fremantle has seen its major sponsors — Woodside and Programmed — urge the Dockers to demonstrate respect and transparency for staff, players, members, and the public.

Fremantle’s brand has been tarnished by the controversy, and rumours are rife that the Dockers are considering sacking Lyon.

Several emergency board meetings have reportedly been held over the past week. Lyon is scheduled to hold his weekly press conference today, but it remains to be seen if he fulfils that obligation.