Bachar Houli's perceived special treatment by the AFL tribunal could prompt booing of the Richmond star comparable to that which marred Adam Goodes' career back-end, according to Leigh Matthews.
AFL legend Matthews has backed the league appealing the defender's two-match ban for knocking out Jed Lamb from Carlton, suggesting increasing his penalty could save him from a harsh on-field crowd backlash.
The AFL argued on Wednesday Houli's ban was inadequate after its lawyers pushed for a four-match suspension at the previous evening's hearing.
After receiving references from Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and television personality Waleed Aly, the tribunal cited Houli's exemplary character in banning him for two matches.
That was despite deeming his strike on Lamb was intentional and of high impact to the head.
Matthews said the AFL failing to appeal could have put Houli in a difficult position.
'"If nothing happened, poor old Bachar Houli - people hate anyone seemingly having preferential treatment," Matthews told Adelaide's 5AA radio station.
"I reckon the poor bugger will get booed mercilessly by the fans who say, 'he just got preferential treatment' because he got the character reference from the PM and Waleed Aly."
AFL football operations manager Simon Lethlean said on Wednesday the appeal would not be based on Houli's character.
Matthews raised the booing of retired Sydney champion Goodes by opposition fans during his final seasons as the kind of situation the AFL would want to avoid.
"I reckon Adam Goodes originally got booed a little bit because people thought he got a bit of preferential treatment off the authorities," Matthew said.
"That is why the AFL, to me, had to appeal - to make sure any thought that there's any preferential treatment by the system is completely nipped in the bud."
The appeal will be heard on Thursday evening.
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