- Brent Naden issued breach from the NRL
- Follows TikTok post from Wests Tigers star
Wests Tigers star Brent Naden has been issued a breach notice by the NRL for giving Bulldogs fans the ‘khod’, which is often perceived as the ‘Arabic middle finger.’
Naden, 29, posted the gesture post-game – before adding f***ing dogs’ – on social media via TikTok.
The video was reportedly sent by Naden to a friend and then leaked publicly.
Utility back Naden – who previously played for the Bulldogs in 2022 – will be fined.
His teammates at the Tigers – Samuela Fainu, Sunia Turuva and Latu Fainu – all made the khod gesture towards Canterbury supporters at Commbank Stadium on August 3, but the trio have escaped sanction.
On Wednesday morning, the NRL released a statement confirming the warning had been handed out.
Wests Tigers star Brent Naden has been issued a breach notice by the NRL for giving Bulldogs fans the ‘khod’, which is often perceived as the ‘Arabic middle figure’ (pictured, in the footy star’s since deleted TikTok video)
Naden’s teammates at the Tigers – Samuela Fainu, Sunia Turuva and Latu Fainu – all made the khod gesture towards Canterbury supporters at Commbank Stadium, but the trio (pictured) have escaped sanction from the NRL
Pictured: Bulldogs fans make the ‘khod’ gesture in a social media post
‘The NRL acknowledges that these actions caused, or had the potential to cause, offence to members of the NRL community,’ the statement read.
‘Separately, the NRL has issued a breach notice to Wests Tigers player Brent Naden.
‘The notice alleges that Naden’s conduct following the Wests Tigers match contravened the NRL Code of Conduct. The player will have five days to respond to the breach notice.’
Adding to the confusion for fans is an image currently circulating online via NRL Photos from last weekend which shows Bulldogs fullback Jacob Kiraz giving Tigers halfback Adam Doueihi a ‘friendly’ khod pre-game.
Both footy stars have Lebanese heritage.
Other photos have shown Bulldogs fans using the gesture.
Some footy supporters have been stunned at the backlash Naden and the Tigers have received, given the hand gesture can also be good-natured, as was the case with Kiraz.
Dogs star Jacob Kiraz (centre) was also photographed directing the offensive hand gesture at Tigers star Adam Doueihi before the match on Sunday
Even NRL CEO Andrew Abdo admitted this week he had to ‘learn up’ on the matter.
The fans also were shocked to see Canterbury – who have a passionate Middle Eastern fan base – reach out to the NRL Integrity Unit, who then launched an investigation.
‘Bunch of sooks (Bulldogs supporters) – well done Tigers for dishing it back in perfect style,’ said one fan on X in response.
‘Turn the focus on your own fan’s behaviour before whinging,’ suggested another.
‘This is funny….I thought the Bulldogs were a tough club and their fans best in the NRL. Yet (they) cry over some banter! ‘All of a sudden they get offended so easily. Harden up,’ a third said.
‘Every Bulldogs game I have been to their fans have been anything but welcoming.
‘(This is the) pot calling the kettle black,’ a fourth weighed in with.
