AFL investigating claims Bachar Houli was racially abused during clash with Collingwood at the MCG

RICHMOND has slammed “the small-minded people that seek to promote division and hatred” amid allegations Bachar Houli was racially vilified at the MCG.

AFL: Round 1 Richmond v Carlton Bachar Houli tackled by Dylan Buckley Picture:Wayne Ludbey

THE AFL is investigating an allegation Richmond’s Bachar Houli was racially vilified by a fan at Friday night’s thriller at the MCG.

The AFL was made aware of the incident this morning and have been in contact with officials from Richmond.

Game officials will be spoken to, including a goal umpire who was in the vicinity when the alleged vilification was said.

In a statement released this morning, Richmond said: “The AFL and MCC have acknowledged a racially motivated incident at the MCG last night.

“The Club also understands the nature of another incident of abuse is being investigated by the AFL.

“Richmond Football Club embraces diversity. It is one of the club’s core beliefs and we believe it should be nurtured and encouraged.

“Bachar Houli is a fine young man who works tirelessly in the community to promote understanding and inclusion.

“Bachar and the broader Muslim community deserve better than having to endure the small-minded people that seek to promote division and hatred.

“Unfortunately, this is now a repeated pattern of behaviour that we find totally unacceptable. The club will always support Bachar and his family who add so much to the fabric of Richmond Football Club.”

AFL spokesman Patrick Keane said the league had identified the person who abused Houli.

He said the abuse was not related to race or faith and did not mention Houli’s religion.

Richmond earlier confirmed an “incident of abuse” was being investigated.

Houli, a Muslim, was among Richmond’s best players in a match marred by an anti-Muslim banner on display underneath a scoreboard.

Collingwood president Eddie McGuire said after the match those responsible should be banned for life.

The banner, which read “Go Pies! Stop the Mosques”.

The act drew swift condemnation from Collingwood, with president Eddie McGuire promising bans if the culprits are found to have any official connection to the club.

“The club awaits the outcome of further investigations into the matter by the AFL, the Victoria Police and MCG security,” a club statement read.

“Regardless, these people do not speak for Collingwood and are condemned by Collingwood. If it is established that they have a formal connection to the club, this connection will be severed.

“There is no place at Collingwood, or in our game, for such behaviour.”