Good spot I remember Jonttt having a similar experience albeit after he cleaned his. Your ECU by unplugging the MAF has dropped into a default mode allowing the engine to run but will be a little rough but perfectly safe. To be honest if it is as bad as not allowing the engine to run at all when connecteed I would be looking at replacing it as they are very very sensitive to cleaning. They have a platinum wire thinner than a human hair which if gets broken means the MAF is a gonner, spraying any cleaner on is enough to break it in most cases.
Great stuff. Just unplugged it and it runs. It looks like one of the wires has snapped. It is safe to drive unplugged then? Thanks Guys had a wor tying night last night hate not knowing what's wrong.