The AFL is shocked by another fancy-dress scandal at an end-of-season party – but this time it’s an UMPIRE in deep trouble

A month after GWS Giants players were caught up in a fancy dress costume scandal, an AFL umpire has been banned for wearing an inappropriate outfit at an end-of-season party.

Leigh Haussen has received a one-week ban for the start of the 2025 season after dressing up as Osama Bin Laden for a private function to celebrate the end of the footy season.

Unlike the GWS Giants costume scandal, the AFL says ‘there were no skits’ performed at the umpires’ party.

‘The theme for the gathering was ‘characters from the 2000s’,’ the AFL said.

‘[Haussen] changed into costume at the venue and wore a mask for only a short period of time before removing it.

‘He cooperated fully with the investigation after the AFL was made aware of the function and apologised for wearing the costume which was inappropriate, offensive and in poor taste.’

Haussen will have to attend education training as well as missing the opening match of the season.

‘I am sorry. I made an error of judgement,’ he said in a statement.

Haussen (pictured dressed up for a previous end-of-season party) says he is sorry and never intended to offend 

‘I never intended to offend anyone.’

AFL umpiring boss Stephen McBurney said Haussen knows that he made a mistake.

‘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.’

Haussen made his AFL umpiring debut in the 2017 season round five match between Brisbane Lions and Western Bulldogs.