NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal to have cardboard cut-out at Northampton Town during League Two play-offs
A cardboard cut-out of basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal will be in the stands when Northampton Town compete in the League Two play-offs.
The 7ft 1in former NBA superstar has been a fan of the Cobblers for a few years now.
Shaq co-owns an internet radio station in America with club chairman Kelvin Thomas.
The four-time NBA champion sent a video message of support to the Northampton team in 2016 as they topped the League Two table by a mammoth 13 points.
Northampton published details of Shaq appearing in the crowd ahead of the play-off run.
It read: “Shaq, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in basketball history, has thrown his support behind Northampton Town and the Cobbler in the Crowd scheme and his cut out will be included in the crowd as the Cobblers take on the Robins.
“A picture of Shaq wearing his Cobblers scarf has been produced on a cut out and will be installed at the PTS Academy Stadium ahead of the game.
“All supporters can arrange to be ‘virtually' inside the PTS Academy Stadium for the play off semi final first leg against Cheltenham Town as part of the Cobbler in the Crowd promotion.
“As a Cobbler in the Crowd, supporters can arrange to have their own face in the stand or alternatively this would make a fantastic Father's Day gift, a birthday present for a loved one or even a tribute to someone no longer with us who used to enjoy Northampton Town games.”
Fans can have their face in the stands for the games for £25 with more details on the scheme .
The 'fan replacement' idea has been used by numerous clubs across the globe with matches taking place behind closed doors.
Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany were the first high-profile team to begin a cardboard cut-out scheme, while South Korean club FC Seoul were fined £67,000 when they filled their stadium with sex dolls, allegedly by accident.
Northampton will face Cheltenham in the play-offs while Exeter and Colchester will contest the other semi-final.
The decision was taken this week to end the 2019/20 campaign in Leagues One and Two but the EFL wanted to press ahead with the play-offs.