Fans told to "go to hell" by Al Fayed regarding hideous Michael Jackson statue!

Today's match at Craven Cottage between Fulham and Blackpool was an entertaining prospect for many football fans; and so it turned out to be. Fulham comfortably winning the contest with a 3-0 victory thanks to a double from Bobby Zamora and a second half Dickson Etuhu effort. After the match however, we are not left admiring Zamora's excellent performance, or criticising Blackpool's poor run of form, oh no! We are discussing the fact that a statue of the late Michael Jackson was unveiled outside Fulham's stadium before the match. 

The Michael Jackson statue looks more like a dodgy reject exhibit from Madame Tussauds!  Photo: Metro.

Firstly, I must say the entire notion of the statue is an utter joke. Fulham owner Mohammed al Fayed was a close friend of Jackson's, so much so that he has decided to go against many fans wishes and stick a hideous statue outside of Fulham's famous old ground. Michael Jackson did attend a Fulham game when he was very young...and that's it! What is even more shocking however, is the way in which al Fayed has responded to Fulham fans' criticism of the statue. 

In an interview this afternoon, al Fayed said "If some stupid fans don't understand and appreciate such a gift this guy gave to the world they can go to hell. I don't want them to be fans." A little bit harsh? I think so! Telling anybody to go to hell is one thing. Telling the people who pay you millions of pounds a year to go to hell is quite another.

Some Fulham fans believe the statue has made them a laughing stock in the Premier League and I don't think they will be far wrong. Al Fayed suggests that it will attract tourists from around the world...so what! I completely agree with statues of famous past players or managers. For example, the statue of Bobby Robson at Ipswich is one that has real meaning and relevance, paying homage to a famous name in the Club's history. Michael Jackson outside Craven Cottage however is utterly atrocious!

Are you a Fulham fan? Do you have a view? If interviews from fans in the media are anything to go by you are likely to be as shocked as I am (and i'm a Villa fan!). Are we likely to see some sort of protest regarding the statue. If/when al Fayed sells Fulham, I would imagine the statue would be removed. We can only hope so anyway! Leave your thoughts...CHAMONE!

DH