Sport
Bachar Houli reveals his mother’s COVID-19 battle during emotional plea to the community – Fox Sports
Dual premiership Tiger Bachar Houli has pleaded with anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms to take a test, revealing his mother is in ICU receiving “heavy treatment” for the virus.
Houli, who opted not to join his Tiger teammates in their Queensland hub to care for his wife and children including their newborn baby uploaded a lengthy video to his Instagram account on Monday.
In a concerned yet heartfelt message, Houli said his mothers current state was a mixed one, adding it hurt him deeply that no family members can visit her in hospital.
Houli shares COVID message
3:23
Round 7
Kayo is your ticket to the 2020 Toyota AFL Premiership Season. Watch every match of every round Live & On-Demand. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >
I thought Id 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 in his Instagram video
I want to share a personal experience with the current situation that were all facing out with the COVID-19.
My family has been affected by COVID-19. Its been tough, its been a tough time. When youre restricted and youre isolated, its very touching.
More specifically, my mothers been affected a lot. Shes 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.
Richmond’s Bachar Houli has remained in Victoria. Picture: Michael KleinSource: News Corp Australia
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 dont 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.
Im experiencing it right now within my family. Please I urge you for the sake of Allah go get tested. If youre showing any form of symptoms, if youre not showing any symptoms, please do your bit.
Houli urged his social media followers to do your bit and follow the rules, saying hed been tested dozens of times as part of strict AFL protocols.
Ive been tested over 30 times being a current AFL player, and thats the protocols. And we had to tick the box. It tickles a little bit, it doesnt hurt. Its a very, very quick procedure, he said.
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.
Victoria on Monday reported 1612 active coronavirus cases, with 72 people in hospital and 17 in intensive care.
Bachar Houli: Do your best to isolate, and we do our best to wipe out this current pandemic. Picture: Michael KleinSource: News Corp Australia
Richmond released a statement on Monday, extending its thoughts Houli and his family.
As a club, were continuing to offer Bachar and his family the support they need at this time, and we all hope Yamama recovers from COVID-19 soon, Richmond football performance manager Tim Livingstone said.
Houli was part of Richmonds 2017 and 2019 premierships and was named in the All-Australian side last year.
