AFL Umpire Suspended for Wearing Osama Bin Laden Costume
Leigh Haussen has been banned from officiating in the opening round of the 2025 season after donning the controversial outfit at an end-of-season event.
- Leigh Haussen, an AFL umpire, wore a Bin Laden mask at a Melbourne event themed 'characters from the 2000s'.
- The Australian Football League deemed the costume 'inappropriate, offensive, and in poor taste'.
- Haussen has apologized, acknowledging his poor judgment and expressing regret over any offense caused.
- The suspension will prevent Haussen from officiating in the first round of the 2025 AFL season.
- The AFL has stated its intention to support Haussen's return, citing his previously unblemished career record.
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