Houli cops two-game ban at AFL tribunal

Richmond defender Bachar Houli has been handed a two-match suspension by the AFL tribunal for intentionally striking Carlton's Jed Lamb.

Houli was referred directly to the tribunal for his off-the-ball hit on Lamb at the MCG on Sunday after the match review panel assessed the incident as intentional conduct with high impact to the head.

The Tigers defender pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of careless conduct with high impact to the head but the jury took five minutes to find him guilty of the more severe charge.

AFL legal counsel Andrew Woods then submitted a four-game ban was the appropriate sanction, while Sam Tovey, representing the club and Houli, asked for a two-game suspension

Despite their finding of intentional conduct, the jury - made up of David Neitz, Hamish McIntosh and Wayne Henwood - settled on two games, citing Houli's exemplary character and record for the relatively light sanction.

The 29-year-old has played 162 AFL games over 11 seasons and eight years as a junior without being suspended.

His only disciplinary blemish was a fine for wrestling Greater Western Sydney's Rhys Palmer in 2014.

Houli slowly shook is head as the initial finding of intentional conduct was announced and left the tribunal hearing at AFL headquarters without speaking to waiting media.

During the 90-minute hearing, Houli, a devout Muslim, gave evidence that he had never - and would never - intentionally strike another person as he is peaceful, religious man.

Houli also said that he sought out Carlton leaders Marc Murphy and Bryce Gibbs as his teammates celebrated the 26-point win and also asked Blues' assistant coach Tim Clarke to pass on Lamb's mobile number so he could apologise.

Richmond's legal counsel submitted four character references, including a transcript of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's glowing remarks about Houli at a function on Monday,

Monash University academic and Channel 10 presenter Dr Waleed Aly, former Tigers assistant coach Mark Williams and AFL diversity manager Ali Fahour also gave written references.

Lamb was not called to give evidence but reporting umpire Matt Stevic was.

Stevic, who was 35m away, assessed the incident as careless conduct and said he saw no reason to change that classification after seeing vision of the clash.

Houli will miss games against Port Adelaide and St Kilda unless he successfully appeals the verdict.