Essendon Chairman Lindsay Tanner has made the following statement.

“Two disgruntled ex-employees have made a number of false and unsubstantiated allegations against the Club. For example, allegations of having dealings with Mick Gatto are false.

“Inappropriate demands and threats made upon Essendon Football Club have been reported to the AFL Integrity Department and on its advice, Victoria Police have been contacted.

“The workers compensation claims made by both former employees have been rejected by Work Cover.

“In the interest of our members, players, staff and broader AFL community, the Club is focused on the future and the upcoming 2017 season.”