Two of the AFL’s highest-profile Muslim players will meet in the middle of the MCG tonight in a gesture of unity.
Richmond’s Bachar Houli and Essendon’s Adam Saad will attend Friday night's coin toss alongside their club captains.
The coin toss is usually only attended by club captains.
The move is in response to Katter Australia Party Senator Fraser Anning’s provocative maiden speech in parliament this week, in which he called for an end to "muslim immigration".
“Both clubs will take the opportunity presented by the AFL’s Friday night centre stage 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 statement posted on the Richmond football club’s website said.
Muslim footballer Bachar Houli. Source: AAP
A similar statement was released by the Essendon football club.
“Essendon is proud to provide a safe, inclusive environment for people from all walks of life and looks forward to standing in solidarity through two of the league’s greatest role models,” it said.
Adam Saad in action for the Bombers. Source: AAP
Prominent AFL commentator Dwayne Russell said he supports the idea.
“I do encourage fine upstanding citizens like Bachar Houli and Adam Saad to be leadership models for their community - and I think they have been throughout the course of their career. If they want to continue to do that then I’ll stand up and applaud them,” he told Macquarie Radio.
Houli, who started his career with Essendon, launched an initiative in 2012 to get more young Muslim men into the AFL system.
The Bachar Houli Academy also aims to give participants the opportunity to learn about their faith.
Essendon must win tonight’s match to still have a chance of making the finals.
Richmond is already guaranteed to finish in the top two.
Both Essendon and Richmond take part in the annual “Dreamtime at the G” match, aimed at recognising the contributions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players make to the AFL.
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