NRL launches investigation into Wests Tigers players using ‘highly offensive’ Middle Eastern ‘Khod’ hand symbol
The NRL have launched investigation into Wests Tigers players using a highly-offensive Middle Eastern hand symbol to Bulldogs fans during Sunday’s match at CommBank Stadium.Wests Tigers players claim they were retaliating for being constantly abused by Canterbury supporters throughout the game, won 28-14 by the Tigers.
Several Wests Tigers players, including Samuela Fainu, Latu Fainu and Brent Naden, directed the hand signal – called the khod – towards Bulldogs’ fans sitting at the southern end of the stadium.
Wests Tigers players were openly aware that the khod (also known as khawd) – where a middle finger is pointed downwards – means ‘get f…ed’ in Arabic.
Wearing a Wests Tigers tracksuit top, Naden repeated the khod on a video which appeared on TikTok on Sunday night.
Tigers taunt Bulldogs fans with offensive gesture
Tigers players have taunted Bulldogs fans who were encouraged to give them an offensive gesture.
After completing the hand motion, Naden puts his hand to his mouth, makes a groaning sound and then says: “F…en Dogs.”
Naden didn’t post the video – he sent it to a mate who forwarded it to another friend who uploaded the clip onto social media.
Wests Tigers player Brent Naden on TikTok.
Tigers players claimed they were being taunted and tormented all match by Bulldogs fans and performed the khod as retribution.
An NRL spokesman confirmed his organisation was now investigating.
The actions of his players didn’t seem to concern Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson, who was asked by this masthead whether he wanted to comment.
“No,” was Richardson’s reply.
Pressed again, Richardson responded: “No.”
Wests Tigers players using the hand gesture. Picture: Mark Evans/Getty Images
The on-field insult came after Samuela Fainu scored a try before he and Naden gave Bulldogs’ fans the Khod.
Canterbury officials have demanded the NRL Integrity Unit immediately investigate the behaviour of Wests Tigers players.
The Bulldogs have been inundated with complaints from their fans.
Bulldogs management also handed over information about the drama to the Integrity Unit on Sunday night.
Canterbury Bulldogs chief executive Aaron Warburton preferred not to comment.
The NRL is unlikely to reach a conclusion on the matter until mid-week.
One Middle Eastern rugby league identity said: “That hand signal is a highly offensive insult. It means ‘get f…ed’. I have ever made that gesture to anyone – that’s how offensive it is. It’s much worse than giving the middle finger.”
