Archive image of Osama bin Laden.
An Australian Rules referee has been suspended for dressing as Osama bin Laden at an end-of-season reception, the sport’s governing body announced on Monday. Leigh Haussen will not be allowed to officiate in the opening round of the 2025 season as punishment after attending a restaurant as a mastermind of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The theme of the ceremony, which took place in a private room at the venue in September, was “characters of the 2000s.”
The Australian Football League said Haussen changed into his costume at the restaurant and “only wore a mask for a short period before removing it”.
“I’m sorry. I made an error in judgment. I never intended to offend anyone,” Haussen said in a statement.
AFL refereeing boss Stephen McBurney said Haussen made a poor decision but was responsible for his actions and had cooperated with the investigation.
“Leigh understands the inappropriateness of his costume,” McBurney said.
“He thought about this choice.
“Leigh is a valued member of the umpiring panel with an impeccable record throughout his umpiring career and since his elevation to the AFL umpiring list in 2017,” he added.
Last month, six Greater Western Sydney players were suspended for periods of up to four matches and seven others were fined for another activity, over the theme of “controversial couples”.
The AFL said some players had performed skits relating to their costumes which it considered “completely unacceptable”.
A dynamic game similar to Irish Gaelic football, Australian Rules is the country’s most popular spectator sport.
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