AFL Muslim stars Bachar Houli and Adam Saad to toss coin at MCG in show of unity

THE AFL’s two most high-profile Muslim footballers will take centre stage tonight and toss the coin at the MCG in an extraordinary break from tradition. This is why.

Richmond’s Bachar Houli and Essendon’s Adam Saad will join their team captains on field ahead of the Friday night clash at the MCG. Picture: Matt King/Getty

THE AFL’s two most high-profile Muslim footballers will take centre stage tonight and toss the coin in an extraordinary break from tradition.

Richmond’s Bachar Houli and Essendon’s Adam Saad will join their team captains on field ahead of the Friday night clash at the MCG.

Richmond rejected suggestions the move was a “protest” and instead said it was an “important moment of solidarity”.

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Richmond’s Bachar Houli and Essendon’s Adam Saad will join their team captains on field ahead of the Friday night clash at the MCG. Picture: Matt King/Getty

Essendon's Adam Saad. Picture: Michael Klein

It comes just days after Senator Fraser Anning courted controversy in his maiden speech in Parliament during which he praised the White Australia policy and called for a “final solution” to Australia’s immigration problems.

Mr Anning’s inflammatory speech drew criticism from all sides of government with Malcolm Turnbull and Bill Shorten labelling it as “appalling”.

The Katter’s Australia Party senator also called for a plebiscite to push for an end to all immigration by Muslims and non-English speaking people “from the Third World”.

Both Houli and Bachar are practising Muslims.

The Bachar Houli program, named after the Tigers defender, aimed at engaging aspiring young footballers from Islamic backgrounds received a $625,000 grant from the AFL and federal government last year.

In a statement Richmond said the pre-game demonstration was a chance to “celebrate and embrace the diversity” of the game.

“Tonight, both clubs take the opportunity … to stand alongside these young men and their community, and remind everyone that our great game and our country values people of all cultures and communities,” a Richmond spokesman said.