Bachar Houli retirement speech

[@chrisd_85]

As a bombers fan, I remember going to his debut game against North Melbourne in 2007 and a bunch of his friends were beating a drum while chanting 'bachar houli' 'bachar houli' 'bachar houli' Was very sad to see him leave at the end of season 2010 but I have a sneaking suspicion he may end up back at bomber land for season 2022.

[@malikAW15]

I was there too as a North fan! Now I pray with by his side at the local mosque and I wasn't even a Muslim back then. Its a privilege to know Bachar.

[@gavaniacono]

What a wonderful person.

[@brettmcmahon7263]

Thanks for all the memories Bashir. Your nickname should be the Bridge, because you have bridged gaps in our society in a time of negative press & public misinformation but you've always smiled & held out your hand to bridge divedes & help anyone regardless of faith. Such is the Bashir Houli Foundation. Thanks for your efforts in winning 3 Grand Finals for our Club. You will be sadly missed for so many reasons but especially the way you ran forward from defence to create opportunities up forward & your ever positive outlook. Love you brother, you are a true Tiger for life 🐅🐯

[@brettmcmahon7263]

Ps, I forgot to add that your HHH story was one the most moving story, you articulated it on TV after the 2017 Grand Final. Myself & friends still talk it. Those fish don't stand a chance with your determination running them down. All the best for you & your families future. 🐯🐅

[@letsseeif]

As an 82 year old Tiger Barracker, thank you Bachar. Like 'the Tigers of Old', Richmond won't be the same without you. And thanks to all for RFC's multicultural programme.

[@deanwishart9981]

What a man, loved the “signed a 3 year deal boys”! I have mixed feelings as I would have Bachar go out on his terms, it’s a tough industry. My best Bachar memories are after the Christchurch horror. He went to NZ to console and be with his community, a true leader. The Sunday after Christchurch I went to the Islamic museum open day with flowers and care to show my support for Melbourne Muslims. And in pride of place, here of all places was Bachar’s 2017 premiership jumper and medallion, framed. That speaks to community and us all being part of something together. A great symbol of our club and its inclusiveness and that we ALL belong, whether the Tiger army or Muslim boys and girls making their way. Go well Bachar.

[@imalwaysright]

I never knew that. It’s sad that he’s been forced out. He probably had another year or so in him.

[@absd12321]

Good man! InshaAllah your well.

[@isasfootballcorner7830]

I know This brother he is such a humble and genuine lad

[@fat_antonio2378]

Even as a proud brisbane supporter, Bachar always my favourite non brisbane player, tough as nails on the field and one of the most humble down to earth blokes you'll ever meet off of it

[@mohammadturkman7809]

I personally know Bachar, he is quite decent man. I never seen his smile away.... Respect

[@MrBayern66]

I'm a Saints fan and I admire this guy greatly.

[@Richo3121]

Thank you Bachar you're an inspiration to many and a Beautiful human.

[@ramblingtiger9320]

I remember when we drafted Bachar I couldn’t believe we got a good solid player for nothing. Well I was wrong, we ended up drafting a legend for our club for both on field and off field activities. 200 RFC games, 3x premierships, life member, 2013 Fred Swift Medal, 2019 Yiooken award, 2020 Jim Stynes Community Leadership award and in my eyes was as dominant as Dusty in the 2017 grand final. All the best Bachar for the future and I hope you stay around the club in the coming years to show the up and coming youngsters how to prepare and conduct themselves as AFL players both on and off the field. You are a true champion and the Tiger army will miss ya! 🖤🖤💛 🖤💛🖤 💛🖤🖤

[@asapsongy3203]

Oh boy this one hurts..thanks for everything Bachar!

[@YellowandBlack]

Bachar's goal from the 2017 Grand Final still gives me chills watching it What a Journey Bachar a Star

[@micheledamschke2441]

Awesome speech! Love the man…⭐️

[@samuellinton8129]

I LOVE YOU BACHAR

[@robsaysreally3637]

Beautiful, thanks Bachar🌟🏆

[@paulmcgrory5165]

Great footballer. Even better person. From an old South Melbourne Bloods supporter. Go well.

[@zendermerc9878]

Your a bloody legend mate, the year you and Grigger came over was the start of our comeback and for that we are eternally grateful. Well done Bachar your a Tiger legend

[@khalidyoussef4117]

I am a Muslim who not only fall in love with footy because of Bachar but also loved the Richmond club. As one previous commentator mentioned Bachar is a bridge that healed a lot of differences and will continue to do after retirement. What a legend

[@josefernandez7840]

Why is there water coming out of my eyes? What's happening?

[@jtiger1062]

A true legend of the club…how good was that back line….arguably bog in 2017 GF ….

[@timwebster833]

Thanks Bachar. You have been a star on and off the field for the Richmond Football Club. All the best for the future.

[@imalwaysright]

As humble and grateful he is, I think he’s disappointed. He wanted to play on.

[@jjruss8238]

Yeah I sensed that as well. I think he feels he has a couple more good years in him. I dont think he could see himself playing elsewhere either. Big loss to the game. I hope we see more Lebanese people take up AFL. Bachar showed it's possible.

[@imalwaysright]

@@jjruss8238 it’s tough. Richmond have to start planning for the future. He’s 33, injured. It’s a shame.

[@seanlynch1185]

Irony is Clarkson found players (Mitchel, Lewis etc) like Houli a place at other clubs and got smashed by the media for "disrespecting club greats"

[@jjruss8238]

@@imalwaysright Yeah, agree. They can't keep 'em all. I think he will look back and appreciate he retired while still playing reasonably good footy when healthy.

[@seanlynch1185]

@MU FC My Greek neighbor said exactly the same thing to me in 1980, but he turned to be wrong. And my Italian friend made almost the same prediction to me to in 1990, but he turned out to be wrong. My Polish friend said it about 20 years ago during 2002 World Cup, but he turned out to be wrong. But YOU will be the one whose prediction finally comes true.

[@dustydestroyer4981]

Who would dislike this

[@ilovechrist914]

Thanks bachar for everything and helping us to 3 premier ships with your amazing footy

[@nicholaslongford-solopage4476]

So much respect to this wonderful human. From a Port man through and through. We need more men like this one.

[@gusfarnsworth280]

Great player. Great man. Will be missed.

[@mrpeabody8187]

Bachar you've been a real champion player for the club and when ever l think of those last 3 premierships you and dusty are the first players l think of thanks for the memories mate

[@mattmurphy5419]

Champion footballer, champion bloke and champion of his faith, been a pleasure watching you play. I hate Richmond with a passion but I loved Houli.

[@acidicshow5258]

I still remember that goal he kicked in the 2017 grand final, man that was a great moment. Cheers Bachar for you efforts at the club, and well done being a great example for Muslim people showing they can achieve great things. I hope you enjoy some rest now #gotiges

[@calebramat7649]

“Martin willed his way through it, little kick foward, Houli to kick a goal!”

[@AbsolutelyEverybody1]

It was Houli's goal that set the ball rolling. Big moment. Great moment.

[@cbinsyd]

I hope Bachar makes an even bigger legacy off the pitch. Great person for the game and for Australia in general.

[@rayoflight9709]

I've watched the tigers since the late 60s and Bacha is the best long handballer running at full pace the club has ever had and of course rates with all the best kicks the team has ever had. He has made tiger land a better place. Thanks Bacha.

[@versaarchi]

Thank you Bachar, what a legend. Sad to see such a great player go. Hope him well.

[@aussierhino471]

What a magnificent human being. So proud to have had this man represent our club in the best possible light. I remember when he appeared on 'Game Day' after the 2017 GF (probably because he was the only one sober enough!), he spoke eloquently and humbly, even referring to kissing his mother's feet in gratitude for what she had done for him. A thoroughly decent man, and I wish him all the very, very best in his life after football. And unashamedly speaks of his religion with sincerity and conviction - a fine example to all. Oh, and not a bad footballer, either! I'm not a Muslim, but with all respect, 'As-Salaam-u-Alaikum, Bachar'.

[@ShahirNaga]

Some cause happiness WHEREVER they go while Others cause happiness WHENEVER they go. Bashar certainly fits in the first category and will continue to make positive change wherever he goes. Someone of impeccable character. All the best to him. Tiger for life 🔥🔥🔥

[@musoforlyf]

A great loss to the game! We should have gotten that three year contract signed :(

[@seanlynch1185]

Clarkson found him players (Mitchell, Lewis etc) like Houli a place at other clubs and got smashed by the media for "disrespecting club greats"

[@bridgy_mc5124]

What a legend

[@antreaspapanikolaou294]

Good man Bacher,,

[@stevenrichardson4659]

Bachar is an absolute TIGERS LEGEND🐯🐅🐯🐅🐯🐅🐯🐅🐯🐅👍👍

[@imalwaysright]

It’s sad when the club retires legends. It’s like we’re not ready...

[@seanlynch1185]

Irony is Clarkson found players like Houli a place at other clubs and got smashed by the media for "disrespecting club greats"

[@JamesCookCricket]

You will be missed legend ;(

[@tigerstorm47]

So sad. Would never want this to happen. He is a superstar, great player and he makes everyone happy. But he’s gotta do what he wants. Just like leaving the mcg when there is a load of food. Still makes me sad no tiger want something like this to happen.

[@dabobbyg]

good bloke gratz on great career

[@mungoman9253]

One thing that stands out in this speech is when he says be yourself but don't offend anyone unfortunately in today's society there will always be something that offends someone

[@imalwaysright]

🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️ There’s always gotta be one... He didn’t mean it the way you’re trying to mean it, and there’s no doubt you get offended by that things that don’t align with your POV

[@mungoman9253]

@@imalwaysright I stopped being offended a very long time ago I'm aboriginal and racism don't even offend me so put that in you pipe and smoke it bud 👍

[@mr.ovakill]

what a legend pretty sad

[@hamishmc2453]

What a champion

[@gregillman8827]

A great of the game, never to win a browlow

[@pedrochizum9928]

Thanks Bachar you bloody legend will miss your exits of the back line should have had a Norm Smith, stay safe brother.

[@DylanFoster87]

Time stops for nobody.

[@markwhelan9887]

Bachar is a great man with a humble attitude and his leadership qualities have shown through on the footy feild. We will miss you and your endless work on equality and decency. Thank you "BACHAR HOULI" for your awesome contributions to our club and players alike. TIGER FOR LIFE EAT EM ALIVE BACHAR. UNITY UNITE'S ALL.💛🖤💛🖤💛🖤💛🖤💛🖤💛🖤

[@purpleswag2313]

A class act

[@calebramat7649]

What a sick bloke, takes guts

[@seanlynch1185]

I would want him at Hawthorn next year. Surely he plays on.

[@Youtube_Ronny]

Nooo is really leaving

[@coreyjones7202]

He sounds pretty gullible

[@stavio12]

With Michael Hurley out of commission the Bombers should sign him up on a 1 year deal at least. I feel our time is not far and he'd be great for his invaluable experience and as a mentor for the young kids coming up. It worked with Tim Watson, look at what Brisbane did with Hodgy. C'mon Dodoro, get it done, bring Houli back.

[@jackcrook4435]

No!

[@IbrahimAli-ti2yq]

UtaEspecially please please come to your place on the toilet and you said no

[@blakecain4575]

Should of stayed at the dons