Inappropriate end of season celebrations have already sidelined six GWS players, and now an AFL umpire has been banned for his own choice of costume as part of year-end festivities.
Leigh Haussen umpired 20 games this season but has been barred from taking part in the first round of next season by the AFL, after dressing as terrorist leader Osama bin Laden in the umpires’ end of season function at a private room in a Melbourne restaurant the day following the grand final.
The theme for the gathering was characters from the 2000s, and Haussen – who has umpired at at the top level for eight years – changed into costume at the venue and wore a mask for a short period of time before removing it.
The al-Qaida leader was killed by US Navy Seals in 2011, following a decade-long hunt for the the man described as the mastermind behind the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The period has been described as the biggest manhunt in history.
The AFL launched an investigation after being tipped off, and Haussen quickly admitted he wore the costume and apologised.
“I am sorry. I made an error of judgement. I never intended to offend anyone,” he said.
The AFL statement described it as “inappropriate, offensive, and in poor taste”.
Haussen will be made to address the AFL umpiring group when they return for training next season.
AFL head of umpiring Stephen McBurney said Haussen “understands” the inappropriate nature of his costume and has reflected on his 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,” he said.
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“We will support Leigh to make his return to umpiring AFL football following this suspension.”
The sanction comes two weeks after the AFL banned six Giants players for inappropriate behaviour at their end of season party.
Josh Fahey was suspended for four matches for dressing as a former NRL player and simulated inappropriate acts on a sex doll.
The AFL confirmed there were no “skits” performed by the umpires.
