“Ali Fahour made a mistake, an error of judgment, and knows full well that these actions like mine are not acceptable,” Houli wrote in a Facebook post.
“Let me tell you something, Ali Fahour is a person of highest character, a person who has done so much for so many people and a person I would trust my life with.”
Houli doesn't excuse Fahours action, just the opposite. (Without any proof) but I'd say they have had a fair bit to do with each other, especially with The Houli Cup and maybe in a personal capacity. Houli goes in to bat with his personal opinion of his character. I don't find that disappointing or odd. He acknowledges Fahour actions were unacceptable, but Houli is there to support him as a mate.
I know if I stuffed up I would like to think my mates would stand by me. As I would, them.