Essendon Football Club Chairman Lindsay Tanner has issued the following statement in relation to Jobe Watson and the 2012 Brownlow Medal.

“Jobe has remained unassailably dignified under the most extraordinary pressure over the past four years,” Tanner said.

“The Club takes responsibility for placing Jobe in this position and unreservedly apologises to him and his family. 

“Jobe is a person of the highest integrity and character and has the total support and admiration of our membership, staff, executive and board.

“The Essendon family has been, and will continue to be, incredibly proud of Jobe Watson.”

The Club will not be making any further comment at this point in time.