Mark Williams says Bachar Houli’s on-field record counts as he reveals reference to AFL Tribunal

MALCOLM Turnbull’s glowing words weren’t the only ones used to help Bachar Houli. Read what former Tigers assistant Mark ‘Choco’ Williams told the AFL Tribunal.

THERE’S no doubt Bachar Houli hit Jed Lamb. We all saw that.

But intentionally? Please.

If you know Bachar Houli, as I do, that’s like saying the priest down the road whacked someone.

Commentators and fans have made a big deal about Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s words about Bachar and how the AFL Tribunal might have taken them into account.

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Off-field character and references are one thing, but on field is another.

I also supplied a reference on behalf of Bachar for Tuesday night’s Tribunal hearing.

As you can read below, my words were not just on Bachar the man, but also Bachar the footballer.

And I can stand here with the Bible in one hand and the Koran in the other and swear that Bachar Houli is the fairest, kindest player I have ever met.

And I’m sorry, but past records should count for something. If the AFL is happy to give extra loading and more weeks to a player if they have a poor record, surely the Tribunal can take things into account when a player — who hasn’t overstepped the mark once in his career — is involved in an unfortunate accident.

And that’s what this was.

The AFL’s match review panel and Tribunal has a tough job. But sometimes accidents happen in footy.

Mark Williams says Bachar Houli is not one to seek out physical contact. Picture: Getty Images

MARK WILLIAMS’ BACHAR HOULI REFERENCE TO AFL TRIBUNAL:

To whom it may concern,

I have had the pleasure to know Bachar for the last 5 years where I have worked closely with him in both a personal and professional setting as Senior Development coach of Richmond FC.

During this time it became obvious that he was the most caring and considerate man I have ever met.

From bringing in food from a family gathering, spending time with the young players to always having time for any and every supporter or member of the staff, he displays genuine care and love to all. Being a Muslim within the football community isn’t easy but Bachar has displayed great understanding and tolerance while educating us all into his beliefs and customs. I can honestly say I am a more rounded person because of knowing and learning from Bachar.

When I had cancer he spent many hours enquiring about my health and was so happy and proud to show me photos of his first child, Sarah. I was delighted to help him with his football academy as well as to present for him at the AFL Ramadan Celebration where I was included within the wider Muslim community.

Bachar brings people together — he is a connector.

From a premiership coach’s point of view Bachar is an outside player who often avoids contact. He is an athlete playing footy, a great receiver of the ball, a carrier of the ball who delivers the ball well.

Working at training with Bachar often included extra bag work to build his confidence with contested footy.

Having seen the incident, I see Bacher trying to run, at full pace, from his opponent, who is holding onto him. In an attempt to get away from his opponent, he throws his arm back and accidentally connects him high. I can assure you that at no time would his intention be to hurt him. Try running full pace and intentionally hit someone behind you. Unfortunately accidents do happen in footy and this is one of those cases.

A kind and gentle man made a mistake — which will haunt him for a long time. He will be the first to ask forgiveness for his actions.

I hope you understand and show due consideration to a really wonderful example of a true multicultural leader in the community. Surely in these times a little tolerance and understanding will go a long way.

Thank you,

Mark Williams

Mark Williams gets a cheer and pat on the head from Richmond players. Picture: Colleen Petch

I’m no softie when it comes to physical contact or slow to acknowledge the wonderful attribute contact footy delivers to the AFL.

We just can’t protect every incident/accident that occurs — think Jack Viney’s collision with Shannon Hurn last week. Things just happen.

It’s one of the main reasons we love the game and why fans flock to the weekly on field battles.

Round 15 starts soon. I wonder what’s going to happen?

* Mark Williams played 201 matches for Collingwood and Brisbane before coaching Port Adelaide to the 2004 AFL premiership. He was a senior assistant at GWS for two seasons before being a senior development coach at Richmond from 2013-2016.