'Laughing stock' statue.disappeared from view

Lee Grimsditch traces history of the Michael Jackson figure nobody wants

- Lee Grimsditch

STATUE of the controversial singer pop Michael Jackson, whose removal was blamed for Fulham FC's relegation, found a new home in Manchester before being removed from public display.

The 7ft 6in statue made from plaster and resin was commissioned by the football club's former chairman Mohamed Al-Fayed and put on display outside the stadium in 2011. As soon as the statue was unveiled it sparked a backlash from fans, who were less than thrilled.

One was quoted as saying: "We're a laughing stock. It has nothing to do with football." Another said: "It makes the club look silly. I thought it was an April Fools joke."

During its two-and-a-half years outside the club's Craven Cottage ground, the sculpture of the legendary pop star caused huge controversy. What makes the whole thing even more bizarre is that Jackson's only known link to the club was attending a Division Two game against Wigan Athletic in 1999 but Al Fayed always insisted his friend was a 'big' fan of the club.

The Daily Star reported the shy star was tempted into a Craven Cottage trip after a tour around Al Fayed's Harrods department store. He was treated to a routine victory having been shielded from the sun by an umbrella before taking his seat, with Kevin Keegan's players greeted by the singer in the changing room afterwards.

Among those in Keegan's squad was striker Barry Hayles. Speaking exclusively to Daily Star Sport, Hayles recalled the surreal experience: "It was amazing meeting Michael Jackson... I have to say it was strange though. A lot of people thought it wasn't actually him but it definitely was.