In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the Australian Football League (AFL) community, an umpire has been handed a suspension after admitting to attending a grand final week function dressed as the notorious terrorist Osama Bin Laden. The incident, which occurred just a day after the AFL Grand Final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about the judgment of those involved.
The Controversial Costume
According to sources close to the situation, umpire Leigh Haussen made the ill-advised decision to attend the function, which had a theme of “characters from the 2000s,” dressed as the mastermind behind the devastating September 11 terrorist attacks. Haussen reportedly changed into the costume at the venue and wore a mask depicting Bin Laden for a brief period before removing it.
The choice of costume has been widely condemned as insensitive and inappropriate, particularly given the profound impact that the 9/11 attacks had on the world. Many have expressed disbelief that someone in a position of authority within the AFL would make such a misguided decision.
Umpire Expresses Remorse
In the wake of the controversy, Haussen has issued an apology for his actions. “I am sorry. I made an error of judgment. I never intended to offend anyone,” he stated. The umpire, who has been with the AFL since 2017 and had an unblemished record prior to this incident, appears to have recognized the gravity of his mistake.
I am sorry. I made an error of judgment. I never intended to offend anyone.
– Leigh Haussen, AFL Umpire
AFL Takes Swift Action
The AFL has moved quickly to address the situation, with the league’s umpiring boss Stephen McBurney announcing that Haussen will not be considered for selection in round one of the 2025 men’s season as a consequence of his actions. McBurney emphasized that while Haussen has owned his mistake and understands the inappropriate nature of his costume, a suspension was necessary to send a clear message.
“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.”
A Pattern of Poor Judgment?
Disturbingly, this is not the first costume controversy to rock the AFL this off-season. Just weeks ago, several Greater Western Sydney Giants players found themselves embroiled in a scandal after attending a party with a “controversial couples” theme. That incident resulted in fines and suspensions for the players involved.
The fact that two separate costume-related controversies have emerged in such a short span of time raises concerns about the judgment and decision-making of some within the AFL community. It is crucial that the league takes a hard look at its culture and takes steps to ensure that all players, officials, and staff understand the importance of respect, sensitivity, and appropriate behavior both on and off the field.
Moving Forward
As the AFL grapples with the fallout from this latest scandal, it is clear that there is much work to be done. Haussen will need to address the umpiring group when they return to training, and it remains to be seen how his colleagues and the wider football community will respond to his actions.
For the AFL, this incident serves as a wake-up call and an opportunity to reinforce its values and expectations. The league must make it abundantly clear that there is no place for insensitivity, poor judgment, or offensive behavior within its ranks.
It is only by confronting these issues head-on and taking decisive action that the AFL can hope to maintain the trust and respect of fans, players, and the wider community. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on the league to see how it navigates this challenging period and emerges stronger and more united on the other side.
