Tigers great Bachar Houli slammed for sharing controversial pro-Palestine video on social media

The Richmond legend was asked by several key AFL figures to take down a controversial video he posted to Instagram in the wake of the Hamas-Israel war.

Bachar Houli was criticised for sharing a controversial pro-Palestine video. Picture: Luis Enrique Ascui

AFL figureheads dramatically intervened to convince three-time premiership player Bachar Houli to take down a controversial pro-Palestine video posted on social media.

The video – titled “A genocide is occurring in Palestine” – was originally put up by rugby superstar Sonny Bill Williams and reposted by Richmond legend Houli.

The Herald Sun understands Richmond management initially phoned the 35-year-old asking him to take the video down.

The matter was then escalated to the AFL amid fears the video might incite unrest in the community.

Bachar Houli during his time at the Tigers. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Houli is a prominent figure in the Melbourne Muslim community. Picture: Michael Klein

AFL commissioner Paul Bassat phoned Houli and former AFL diversity manager Ali Fahour was also asked to contact him. At the same time, prominent Jewish community member and Richmond fan Paul Naphtali texted Houli on Saturday morning.

Mr Naphtali said he was a Richmond fan who supported the Jolson Houli Unity Cup – played by the state’s best Jewish and Muslim footballers – and viewed Houli “as an ambassador for peace”.

“I was alerted to the video he posted because it was inconsistent with that objective (of peace),” he said.

“To Bachar’s credit, when I messaged him he called me, he listened and he engaged about the contents of the video.

“I would describe the post as misinformed and dangerous. Bachar has a big platform, lots and lots of supporters, but we all make mistakes.”

Mr Naphtali added: “I sent him the information he asked for on Sunday morning and by Sunday evening the video was taken down.

“I imagine a number of people would have contacted him about it. I know he sought out other Jewish perspectives to see how people felt. To his credit, he listened.

“It is an example of why engagement and dialogue is so important.”

Rugby star turned boxer Sonny Bill Williams, who converted to Islam in 2009, posted the two-minute video to his one million followers on Instagram.

A message with it read: “Just like we should condemn the killings of innocent human beings on October the 7th, we should all condemn the killings and injustice of our oppressed Palestinian brothers and sisters that’s been happening for the last 75 years.

“As a Muslim and as a human being, it’s my duty to speak the truth and use the platform I’ve been blessed with to seek justice, no matter the consequences.”

A snippet from the video Houli shared online. Picture: Instagram

The video shared this claim. Picture: Instagram

Williams, who is currently in France commentating on the Rugby World Cup for Stan, added: “What we’re seeing in Palestine right now is not a war, it’s genocide. Free Palestine.”

The footage goes on to show bombings, children being injured, houses being stolen and a presumed Jewish man saying “we killed them without remorse”.

It ends with the words: “A genocide is occurring in Palestine. And it’s been happening for years, not just now. Don’t let biased media push you to support the oppressor. FREE PALESTINE.”

Houli deleted the video on Sunday evening and replaced it with a statement.

“As many would know I am a man of faith and peace, and have always tried to live my life through the Islamic values of Respect, Peace and Love which has been taught through our beloved prophet Muhammad (PBUH),” it reads.

“I will always advocate for inclusion and bringing people together. The last couple of weeks have taken a heavy toll on us all and I want to remind people that I do NOT condone killings of ANY INNOCENT people regardless of their faith or culture.

“I remind my fellow Australians that any racism, discrimination or acts of violence to innocent people is totally unacceptable.

“I have many friends from different faiths who are against this war and I stand in solidarity with them and pray for peace and justice for all those oppressed around the world. I pray for peace, love and humanity. Ameen.”

The video blamed media for spreading misinformation. Picture: Instagram

The video criticising international media. Picture: Instagram

That post received 153 comments, many referencing the deleted video.

Ben Levin said: “Cute note Bachar, but too late mate, the damage already done and true colours already shown in your previous post.

“Initial reaction was “how shameful”, but I’m more disappointed actually – you used to be viewed as a beacon of peace.”

He added: “The lying, inciting propaganda video he had previously posted suggested otherwise. Intelligently, and presumably realising this, he has subsequently deleted the post.”

Michael Sion said Houli was “promoting terror”.

“Your previous message suggests the exact opposite. You have promoted hate, terror and lies.

“You do not want peace and safety for Jews and Israel.”

Danielle Suss simply said “damage done. Bye peace team” while Bill Karagiorgos posted “changed your tune Bachar”.

Houli has kept other posts about the conflict, including a joint statement from 41 Islamic community groups calling on the federal government to “end the double standards” and acknowledge the loss of Palestinian lives.

Mr Naphtali said Houli should be applauded for replacing the video “with a statement of peace and condemning attacks on civilians”.

“My hope is we can all come together to condemn Hamas terrorists and recognise them as an impediment to peace, both for Palestinians and Israelis

“I am still in contact with Bachar and it might just be that through this dialogue we can bring more understanding and tolerance to others,” he added.

Houli did not return calls for comment.

The AFL made no comment.

Originally published as Tigers great Bachar Houli slammed for sharing controversial pro-Palestine video on social media