AFL umpire Leigh Haussen has been banned for Round 1 of the 2025 season after dressing as Osama bin Laden at an end-season umpires function.
The matter was investigated by the AFL after Haussen dressed as bin Laden at the event, which was held the day after the grand final in a Melbourne restaurant with the theme ‘characters from the 2000s’.
The league confirmed there were no skits involved at the function, with Haussen wearing a mask for a short period before removing it.
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In addition to being stood down for the start of next season, Haussen will begin education work by addressing his fellow umpires when they return to training.
He apologised for his actions in a statement.
“I am sorry. I made an error of judgement. I never intended to offend anyone,” Haussen said.
Haussen has umpired in 147 AFL games since 2017.
It comes just weeks after multiple GWS Giants players were handed suspensions and fines for inappropriate behaviour at the players-only “Wacky Wednesday” party, which involved dress ups and skits.
It included Toby McMullin and Cooper Hamilton mimicking the September 11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre.
AFL umpiring boss Stephen McBurney said Haussen had taken responsibility for his poor decision.
“Leigh understands the inappropriate nature of his costume. He has reflected on that choice,” McBurney said.
“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.”
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