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Fulham FC have defended their decision to remove the controversial statue of Michael Jackson that stands on the ground - saying that it is the 'right thing for the club'.
Yesterday, it emerged that Shahid Khan will return a statue of Michael Jackson to Mohamed Al Fayed, after Fulham Football club revealed the monument would not be included in the Craven Cottage development plans.
Now Khan has said club supporters had made their views clear on the statue.
"Craven Cottage means the world to generations of Fulham supporters, and I have heard from many of them over the past two months," he said in a statement on the club's website. "Our supporters' views on the statue have been made clear.
Khan continued: "I respect Mr al Fayed and know he had good intentions in paying an individual tribute. However, the removal of the statue is the right thing for Fulham Football Club."
The statue was met with a negative reaction when Al Fayed first presented it to Fulham in 2011, and now it will be returned to the Harrods boss after two years outside the Hammersmith Stand.
"The statue is not part of the Riverside development of the stadium and will be returned to the former chairman in due course," said a statement from the club, confirming news that will no doubt please fans of Fulham, Michael Jackson and good taste everywhere.
Al Fayad's gift will be returned to the Harrods owner as Fulham redevelop
When Fayed gave the statue to Fulham in 2011, he claimed Jackson had been a fan of Fulham after the music icon was seen once at the ground. The statue was widely criticised, but Fayed told detractors to 'go to hell'.
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