Leeds United remove cardboard cutout of Osama bin Laden from stands

Image of former Al Qaeda leader seen in the stands at Elland Road

Leeds United say they have removed the cardboard cutout image of the late Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. Getty Images

English second-tier club Leeds United have removed a cardboard cutout of former Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden from the stands at Elland Road after it was spotted in a photo posted on Twitter, British media have reported.

With no spectators allowed into stadiums as part of efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19, many English clubs are giving fans the chance to send in photos and have cutouts put on the seats instead.

Bin Laden, who was killed in 2011, is believed to have ordered the attacks on New York and Washington on 11 September 2001 and a number of other terrorist incidents.

The BBC quoted Championship side Leeds as saying they will "ensure there are no more offensive images" in the stands before Saturday's game against Fulham.

Australian media reported earlier this month that a cutout of British serial killer Harold Shipman was spotted in the stands of a National Rugby League game between Penrith Panthers and Newcastle Knights.

Leeds are second in the Championship as they seek automatic promotion to the Premier League.