AFL: Richmond Tigers star Bachar Houli reveals family’s COVID-19 battle

All-Australian Bachar Houli has pleaded for Victorians to “go get tested” after revealing a family member is battling COVID-19 in ICU.

All-Australian Bachar Houli has pleaded for Victorians to “go get tested” after revealing a family member is battling COVID-19 in ICU.

Richmond Tigers star Bachar Houli has pleaded for Australia’s Muslim community to get tested for COVID-19 after revealing his mother was battling the virus in ICU.

After the number coronavirus cases dramatically spiked in Victoria last week, Houli chose not to join his club in the Queensland hub, opting instead to care for his family.

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In a heartfelt video uploaded to Instagram, Houli announced his mother was undergoing “heavy treatment” after contracting COVID-19, urging fellow Victorians to “go get tested” if symptoms arise.

“I thought I’d share a very quick message and a reminder for myself and everyone out there and more specifically to the Muslim community out there,” Houli said.

“I want to share a personal experience with the current situation that we’re all facing out with the COVID-19.

“My family has been affected by COVID-19. It’s been tough, it’s been a tough time. When you’re restricted and you’re isolated, it’s very touching.

Bachar Houli has played 211 matches since his AFL debut in 2007.

“More specifically, my mother’s been affected a lot. She’s currently in ICU undergoing some heavy treatment. The team in the ICU is taking care of her. Her current state is a mixed one. God knows best her situation.

“What burns and what hurts truly is the fact that no one from her family members can go and visit her, which is very, very tough.

“Please put yourselves in this position.

“I don’t want you to feel sorry for me but rather think about in general and think about as it being you and part of your family.

“Hopefully you can change your mindset about COVID-19. The reality is it is out there.

“I’m experiencing it right now within my family. Please I urge you for the sake of Allah go get tested. If you’re showing any form of symptoms, if you’re not showing any symptoms, please do your bit.”

All our thoughts and well wishes are with Bachar Houli, his mother Yamama, and the extended Houli family at this time 💛 pic.twitter.com/32yCP0TjUZ

— Richmond FC 🐯🏆 (@Richmond_FC) July 13, 2020

“I’ve been tested over 30 times being a current AFL player, and that’s the protocols. And we had to tick the box. It tickles a little bit, it doesn’t hurt. It’s a very, very quick procedure.

“Please go to the nearest place and go get tested. Do your best to isolate, and we do our best to wipe out this current pandemic.”

Herald Sun reporter Glenn McFarlane called Houli’s video: “The most powerful message you will see/read today.”

Richmond released a statement on Monday evening, extending their best wishes to Houli’s family.

“Richmond extends its thoughts and well wishes to Bachar Houli, his mother Yamama, and the extended Houli family, as Yamama continues treatment in the ICU for COVID-19,” the statement read.

“The entire Club and its members are thinking of the Houli’s at this challenging time.

“The Club encourages anyone with flu-like symptoms to get tested, and to continue to adhere to Government and medical advice.”

On Monday, Victoria reported 1612 active coronavirus cases, with 72 people in hospital and 17 in intensive care.

Houli is a two-time premiership player with the Tigers, claiming titles in 2017 and 2019. Last year, he was named in the All-Australian team for the first time in his 13-year AFL career.

From his four appearances this season, the halfback has averaged 23 disposals and seven marks.