The AFL has suspended umpire Leigh Haussen after he dressed up as Osama bin Laden at an finish of season occasion.
The umpire, who made his debut within the AFL in 2017, dressed within the costume at a non-public perform the day after the grand ultimate in September.
The information comes weeks after a number of GWS Giants gamers had been suspended for carrying inappropriate costumes and performing skits at their very own finish of season get together.
In a press release, the AFL stated that the theme of the occasion, for AFL subject umpires, was characters from the 2000s.
Haussen dressed into the costume on the venue and wore a masks, however “just for brief time period”.
The assertion stated Haussen cooperated absolutely with the investigation.
Haussen, who has umpired 147 AFL video games, admitted that he made “an error of judgement”.
“I’m sorry … I by no means meant to offend anybody” he stated by way of a press release.
Haussen will probably be banned from taking part in spherical one of many 2025 AFL season however the AFL stated it might assist him in his bid to return to the umpiring ranks.
AFL Head of Umpiring Stephen McBurney stated Haussen had owned his actions.
“Leigh understands the inappropriate nature of his costume,” McBurney stated in a press release.
“He has mirrored on that alternative.
“Leigh is a valued member of the umpiring group with an unblemished document each all through his umpiring profession and since his elevation to the AFL umpires checklist in 2017.
“We’ll assist Leigh to make his return to umpiring AFL soccer following this suspension.”
Haussen, who works as a finance dealer, has additionally refereed 166 SANFL matches, together with six grand finals between 2010 and 2016.
He made his AFL umpiring debut within the 2017 spherical 5 conflict between Western Bulldogs and Brisbane Lions.
