NRL's Afghan Player Criticizes Broncos for Hosting Ben Roberts-Smith
The Broncos let Ben Roberts-Smith into their sheds. This is what the NRL’s only Afghan player thought
Image: The Sydney Morning Herald
Omar Slaimankhel, the NRL's first Afghan player, expressed disappointment over the Brisbane Broncos allowing Ben Roberts-Smith, charged with war crimes, into their dressing sheds. Slaimankhel condemned the decision, emphasizing the troubling implications of giving a platform to someone facing serious allegations.
- 01Omar Slaimankhel is the NRL's first Afghan player and has played for the New Zealand Warriors.
- 02Ben Roberts-Smith is facing multiple war crime charges, including murder allegations related to Afghan civilians.
- 03Roberts-Smith attended a Broncos game after being invited by a club staff member's family.
- 04Slaimankhel criticized the Broncos for providing a platform to someone accused of war crimes, calling it deeply troubling.
- 05Slaimankhel won The Block in 2023 with a record profit of $1.69 million.
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Omar Slaimankhel, the only Afghan player in the National Rugby League (NRL), has voiced his disappointment at the Brisbane Broncos for allowing Ben Roberts-Smith, who faces serious war crime charges, into their dressing rooms. Slaimankhel, who has personal ties to Afghanistan through his family's history, was disheartened to learn about Roberts-Smith's presence at the Broncos' game against St George Illawarra. Roberts-Smith, a former soldier, has been charged with multiple counts of war crimes, including the alleged murder of unarmed Afghan civilians. Despite denying the allegations, his visit to the Broncos raises concerns for Slaimankhel, who stated that it reflects a troubling pattern of dehumanization towards people from the Middle East. He emphasized that the invitation to Roberts-Smith sends a significant message about the Broncos' stance. The NRL has refrained from commenting on the situation, leaving it to the Broncos to address the matter further. Slaimankhel, who has a notable career in rugby and recently won a reality TV competition, continues to advocate for awareness regarding the implications of such public figures being celebrated despite serious allegations against them.
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Slaimankhel's comments highlight the ongoing discussions around accountability for war crimes and the representation of Afghan individuals in public spaces.
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