'I never intended to offend anyone': AFL umpire banned for dressing up as Osama Bin Laden at end-of-season party
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An AFL umpire has been banned after dressing up as the assassinated former leader of al-Qaeda and mastermind behind the September 11 terrorist attacks on the USA, Osama Bin Laden, at an end-of-season party, the league has announced.
The AFL said in a statement on Monday that Leigh Haussen dressed up as Bin Laden at a post-season gathering for umpires themed "characters of the 2000s".
He will not be appointed to officiate in round one of the 2025 season.
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"I am sorry," Haussen said.
"I made an error of judgement. I never intended to offend anyone."
Leigh Haussen. Getty
The event Haussen attended was held the day after the grand final in a private room in a Melbourne restaurant.
The AFL confirmed that, unlike the infamous GWS end-of-season event, there were no skits involved.
Haussen will now have to undergo education work which will involve an address to the AFL umpiring cohort when they return to training.
AFL head of umpiring Stephen McBurney threw his support behind Haussen.
"Leigh understands the inappropriate nature of his costume," McBurney said.
"He has reflected on that choice. Leigh is a valued member of the umpiring group with an unblemished record both throughout his umpiring career and since his elevation to the AFL umpires list in 2017. We will support Leigh to make his return to umpiring AFL football following this suspension."
