The AFL’s Most Prominent Muslim Players Are Taking A Stand Against Fraser Anning’s Racist Crap
We've seen the worst of Australia this week, but also some of the best.
The two most prominent Muslim footballers in the AFL will take a stand against racism and Islamophobia following the disgraceful remarks made by Queensland Senator Fraser Anning in his maiden address to parliament earlier in the week.
Bachar Houli and Adam Saad will line up on opposite teams in Friday night’s match between Richmond and Essendon at the MCG. But in light of Senator Anning’s calls for a “final solution” to end Muslim immigration, the two men will join their respective captains before the game to shake hands and toss the coin in a small but important gesture of unity.
“The Bombers and the Tigers are proud to celebrate diversity in football and the broader Australian community and wish to emphasise this on the big stage in light of recent comments made in Federal Parliament,” read a statement on the Essendon website on Thursday night.
The sentiment was echoed by Richmond, with the reigning premiers saying both clubs would take the opportunity 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”.
Houli has previously spoken out about racism after he was allegedly called a “terrorist” at a game in 2015. “It’s just sad to hear it especially in this day and age with the way that we celebrate diversity and celebrate all different cultures,” he said at the time.
Senator Anning has been widely condemned for his remarks, with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull calling them “appalling”.
—
Feature image via Wikimedia.