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.
Bu hikaye MEN on Sunday dergisinin May 28, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye MEN on Sunday dergisinin May 28, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
We are fragile but we cannot overreact-Pep
PEP Guardiola says that City cannot afford to overreact to their worst ever run under his management as they look to stay in touch with Premier League leaders Liverpool.
IT’S TOO EASY TO SCORE AGAINST US’
PEP Guardiola says City have multiple problems as opponents find it too easy to score against them.
Spurs man on the hole’ in City middle
JAMES Maddison has explained that he was able to exploit the lack of presence in City's midfield to score a goal that he has been working on all season.
Rubet! Amorim up for United challenge
RUBEN Amorim is relishing the 'huge responsibility' of taking United back to the top as the new head coach prepares to take charge for the first time at Ipswich.
'Ruthless' Ruben won't be all smiles as he gears up for first game at helm
\"I CAN be ruthless when I have to be,\" said Ruben Amorim on Friday afternoon.
Teenage star Chido on target once again
CHIDO Obi-Martin was again among the goals as United's Under-18s continued their stunning form and a new star emerged.
Tourist traps top visitor spend table
SEPARATED by the Pennines and nearly 100 miles, the historic city of York and the seaside resort of Blackpool are worlds apart in their appeal to tourists.
Wind farm expansion plan set to create new turbulence
Proposals would create biggest turbine development in England
Rail services may take 'three years to improve'
THE largest rail company in the North of England has warned that it will take up to three years before its services are up to scratch.
Thug forced kids to help in drug deals
A MAN who used 'vulnerable' children to help him deal drugs has been jailed.
