Hazem El-Masri charged over alleged domestic violence assault.

By Jessica Kidd and staff.

Former Canterbury-Bankstown winger Hazem El Masri has been charged over an alleged domestic assault against his 25-year-old wife.

The 39-year-old former NRL player has been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and common assault.

Police said the charges related to an incident at the former Bulldogs star’s home on Monday night.

El Masri is a devout Muslim and a former ambassador for White Ribbon Day, a national campaign to stop violence against women.

He split with first wife of 13 years, Arwa El Masri, last year and remarried recently.

El Masri has been granted conditional bail and will face Bankstown Local Court on Thursday.

Police have confirmed an apprehended violence order has also been applied for.

NRL chief executive Dave Smith said the league’s policies and procedures to deal with domestic violence had been tightened.

“There is absolutely no place for domestic violence in our game,” he said.

“It’s abhorrent to us. I don’t know the details of that case but I can say that any ambassadorial role that he was playing with us, he’s been stood down from.”

Bulldogs chief executive Raelene Castle, released a short statement on Tuesday afternoon.

“As a Club we are committed to our work with White Ribbon Australia to eliminate violence against women and firmly believe there is no place for it in our society,” she said.

“Counselling and support services have been offered to all those involved in this matter.

“As with any police charge, Hazem will work through the process of the Australian legal system and his engagement as a Bulldogs Ambassador is suspended until those proceedings are complete.”

White Ribbon Australia chief executive Libby Davies also released a brief statement.

“White Ribbon is very disappointed to learn of the charges laid against former Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs player and former White Ribbon ambassador,” the statement said.

“White Ribbon advises that 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.”

This post originally appeared on ABC News.