Houli tribunal decision

[thesoretoothsayer]

I think Ed makes a sound point here.
Houli is a role model.
I'm sure he'll get an OAM someday.
But his off-field character should have no impact of the tribunal's decision.

https://www.triplem.com.au/shows/the-ho ... l-decision

[Pi]

Ed will probably get roasted, again
this is another article on the subject:
http://www.watoday.com.au/afl/afl-news/ ... wzxjy.html

[mandy]

I agree with Ed.

I think Houli's unblemished record should get him some discount (just as much as I think serial offenders should get higher penalties) but decisions should be based purely on on-field behaviour.

I 100% don't believe he intended to knock Lamb out, but it probably warranted another week or 2.

[Mugwump]

^ yes, very weird that the Prime Minister has time to make this kind of representation, that Richmond-supporting Waleed Aly is considered valuable testimony, and that such prominence should given by Houli in his testimony to his religion being against violence (hmmm...).

The tribunal were intimidated on several levels here. Like others, I think the contact and impact were severe but unintentional, and his good footballing record is all that should count. On that basis, I'd have reduced the 5 weeks to 4 or (being generous) 3. The Carlton player was out cold when his head hit the ground. We know where that can lead, and what result it can have. Two weeks ? Bah.

[Presti35]

But his off-field character should have no impact of the tribunal's decision.

100% TRUTH!!!

I couldn't believe it when I read that the PM and the all mighty Waleed Aly were called in to make statements.

He smacked a guy on the field. In a football match. That happens sometimes. What does it matter if he is a nice guy outside of football?

[npalm]

I don't think Turnbull and the tribunal have done Houli any favours here. Sure, he gets to return to playing a week or two earlier than he should but I suspect he has lost a degree of respect from his peers and the public.

He made a mistake and he should suffer the appropriate penalty. If he truly is of good character (and I have no reason to think otherwise) then he should want to be treated on the same basis as any other player in his situation.

[ronrat]

No body asked Dane Swan who should win a logie. Surprised Houli didn't use the I was hungry from Ramadan. Not sure Turnbulls stuff related to the tribunal at all.Ony other pM to interefere with footy was Robert Menzies who intervened to allow Ted Whitten to play the GF in 1954. If Footscray had of being playing Carlton it wouldn't have happened though.
How many games of any footy at senior level did either play. Probably nil.

[Tannin]

Do the crime, do the time.

However, in Houli's case, we should make an exception and give him three weeks extra on top of the four weeks the offence deserves on account of him having the ugliest beard in AFL.

[thesoretoothsayer]

Do the crime, do the time.

However, in Houli's case, we should make an exception and give him three weeks extra on top of the four weeks the offence deserves on account of him having the ugliest beard in AFL.

Houli has cultural reasons for the ugly beard. What's Max Gawn's excuse?

[ronrat]

Gawn shaved his off for charity. Keep with the program

[Tannin]

Houli has cultural reasons for the ugly beard.

Then he should be required to play in a veil.

[swoop42]

His penalty has been upgraded to 4 weeks.

[Presti35]

His penalty has been upgraded to 4 weeks.

......but the P.M
......but Waleed
.....

[Jezza]

I think Tom Bugg is going to need those character references this week

[Presti35]

Well he has a painting in a Melbourne alley so he must be a good bloke.