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Spot the serial killer: Fan in The Stands takes a surprisingly dark turn

The NRL is still finding ways to delight fans from their homes as they’re currently not allowed to attend matches due to coronavirus.

Luckily, the NRL have been running a Fan in The Stands promotion, which gives fans the opportunity to buy a cardboard cut-out to fil out the seat in the stadiums.

For $22, fans can pay to have their likeness or any image they send in the crowd at an NRL game.

Naturally, some fans have been taking advantage by getting their dog in on the action.

On Sunday’s match between the Penrith Panthers and the Newcastle Knights, fans were quick to realise that amongst the die-hard cardboard cut-out fans, there was also a serial killer.

Reddit pointed out that Harold Fredrick Shipman made an appearance on top of a Canberra Raiders cut out.

Shipman was an English doctor believed to be the most prolific serial killer in history, with estimates that he may have had more than 250 victims. He was found guilty of murder of 15 patients in 2000, but took his own life in 2004 after being sentenced to life in prison.

Some saw the lighter side to it, but others thought it was disrespectful to the families of the deceased.

NRL head of marketing Peter Jarmain still supports the cardboard cut-outs, saying it is good for the players and clubs.

“We wanted to make sure the lifeblood of the NRL, our members and fans, had the chance to pull on their jerseys, don their club colours and support in a really fun way,” he said, according to NRL.com.

“I know the players and clubs will appreciate the support, even if the fans aren’t able to shout, celebrate and jump around for the tries and hits as they usually would.”

Hero image credit: Matt Bungard

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nrl, fans in the stands, serial killer, cardboard cut outs, matches