Hazem El-Masri charged with domestic violence

Former-Bulldogs champion Hazem El-Masri has been charged with domestic violence offenses after an incident at his Sydney home.

The 39-year-old was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and common assault.

"They relate to an incident at his home at about 7.30pm yesterday allegedly involving his 25 year-old wife," a police spokeswoman told Fairfax media.

The devout Muslim and family man had split from his wife of 13 years, Awra Abousamra last year before re-marrying.

He is a former ambassador for the White Ribbon Foundation, for the elimination of violence against women campaign.

He is also an ambassador for the NSW Government's Stop Violence Against Women campaign and was one of the most highly respected members of the Lebanese community.

White Ribbon Australia released the following statement in regards to El Masri’s position with the campaign.

“White Ribbon is very disappointed to learn of the charges laid against former Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs player and former White Ribbon Ambassador Hazem El-Masri. White Ribbon advises that Hasem El-Masri is not currently a White Ribbon Ambassador and as always, White Ribbon will provide no further comment on a case before the courts.”

El-Masri has been granted conditional bail and will appear in Bankstown Court on Thursday.

El-Masri had one of the most decorated NRL careers of all time.

He has the games and points record for the Bulldogs, has scored more tries than any other player in NRL history and holds the record for the most points in a game.

National domestic violence helpline: 1800 737 732 or 1800RESPECT. In an emergency call triple-zero.

More to come.