HAWTHORN coach Alastair Clarkson has expressed his regret after being involved in an altercation with a Port Adelaide fan on Saturday night.

Clarkson was caught up in the incident as he walked from Adelaide Oval to the team hotel following the Hawks' eight-point loss to Port Adelaide.

After the siren: Take the bus, Clarko

Hawthorn released a statement on Monday evening to "clarify" Clarkson's position.

"Having been confronted and threatened by a group of intoxicated men and after politely asking several times for some space, I regret that I pushed away one particular individual," Clarkson said.

"While the behaviour of the group was antagonistic, aggressive and completely unwarranted, I wish that I had continued to walk away and removed myself from the situation.

"As a father, coach and leader, I acknowledge that I am in a position to set an example for the community."

The altercation is being investigated by South Australian police.

Port Adelaide issued a statement on Monday evening confirming the man at the centre of the incident was not a club member.