Decking out AFL umpires in special colours to support a cause has backfired for the second straight week after Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson criticised their choice of outfits for Sunday's clash with Richmond.

The whistle-blowers were wearing lime green, which both Clarkson and Tigers counterpart Damien Hardwick felt blended too closely with the Hawks' gold and Richmond's yellow.

The colour choice was to support learner umpires in community football, who wear those outfits to avoid copping abuse from players and spectators.

But, in a week devoted to building appreciation towards umpires, it did not stop a caustic Clarkson from questioning the AFL's wisdom.

"There's no rocket scientists in there obviously," Clarkson said.

"Why would you wear that colour when you've got one side wearing gold and another wearing yellow, it's just absolutely ludicrous."

Hardwick doubted it caused players any problems, but also questioned the decision.

"They were very similar (to Richmond colours), they were yellow," he said.

"I would like to say we kicked to the umpires on a couple of occasions, but I don't think that was the case.

"It did clash a little bit, it's probably something the AFL may look at again."

The AFL was forced to apologise last week after umpires wore pink for the Western Bulldogs-Melbourne match, as did the Demons, in honour of the fight against breast cancer.

Demons players said they mistook umpires for teammates at times in their four-point loss.

Meanwhile, Hawk Campbell Brown and Richmond's Daniel Jackson might both face match review panel scrutiny on Monday over a final-quarter clash.

Brown appeared to make high contact with a bump on Jackson, as the Tiger was crouching to get the ball.

As Jackson remonstrated, he made light contact with a head-bump on Brown, although neither player was hurt.

Clarkson would not comment on the initial clash, but Hardwick described it as a good contest between two committed ball players.

"It's one of those contests you love to see in AFL footy," Hardwick said.

"It would have been nice to get a free and kick a goal, but it was a great contest by two players." The clash occurred in Richmond's attack, but Hawthorn repelled the ball to set up a goal which proved pivotal in their three-point win.

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