AFL club Richmond Tigers are investigating an allegation that a prominent media figure racially vilified midfielder Bachar Houli.

It is alleged that a comment was made and that comment was heard by a Richmond staff member, who reported the incident.

The allegation reported in The Herald Sun is that Houli, a Muslim, was called a terrorist.

The abuse allegation centres on Richmond’s official match function during the first quarter of the game.

The person under investigation was sitting in seats outside the Olympic Room, where the function was based.

Richmond boss Brendon Gale confirmed the investigation.

“We are investigating an allegation of racial abuse directed at Bachar Houli during Friday nights game,” Richmond chief executive Gale said.

“The incident was brought to my attention by a member of our executive team.”

The AFL have confirmed that they are aware of the investigation.

Houli, who was drafted by Essendon in 2006 became the first Muslim to play the game at the national level and works for the AFL as a multicultural ambassador.