'It's been tough': Houli reveals his mother is in ICU with coronavirus
Richmond star Bachar Houli's mother has been stricken with COVID-19 and is in intensive care.
Houli, who has remained in Melbourne while the Tigers are on the road, chose to reveal his mother's illness as a way of urging the public to take coronavirus seriously and get tested.
Houli said he was addressing his message "more specifically to the Muslim community".
Bachar Houli's mother, Yamama, watches him play his debut game from the stands in 2007.Credit:Pat Scala
"I thought I'd share a very quick message and a reminder for myself and everyone out there and more specifically to the Muslim community out there," he said on Instagram.
"I want to share a personal experience with the current situation that we're all facing out with the COVID-19.
"My family has been affected by COVID-19. It's been tough, it's been a tough time. When you're restricted and you're isolated, it's very touching.
"More specifically, my mother's been affected a lot. She's 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.
"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 don't 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.
"I'm experiencing it right now within my family. Please I urge you for the sake of Allah go get tested. If you're showing any form of symptoms, if you're not showing any symptoms, please do your bit."
Richmond were set release a statement on Monday afternoon.
Houli had chosen not to go into the club's Queensland hub, along with teammate Shane Edwards, to be with his pregnant wife.
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