Four Australian Open spectators, together with a person holding a Russian flag with Vladimir Putin’s face on it, are being questioned by Victoria Police after allegedly threatening safety at Melbourne Park.
A bunch of followers on Wednesday evening gathered on the steps outdoors Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court Arena and recited pro-Russia chants, with a number of both holding or sporting numerous Russian flags.
The followers chanted “Russia, Serbia” after star Serb Novak Djokovic defeated Russian Andrey Rublev in straight units.
Among them was the person who held up the flag that includes Russian president Putin, whereas sporting a T-shirt bearing the pro-war in Ukraine ‘Z’ image.
A distinct man had earlier been pictured with a Z image T-shirt inside Rod Laver Arena throughout the match.
Past and current Russian flags, the Russian Eagle flag, Belarusian flags and objects of clothes with the Z image are prohibited objects at Melbourne Park.
“Four people in the crowd leaving the stadium revealed inappropriate flags and symbols and threatened security guards,” a Tennis Australia spokesperson mentioned.
“Victoria Police intervened and are continuing to question them.
“The consolation and security of everyone seems to be our precedence and we work intently with safety and authorities.”
TA had initially permitted spectators to bring Russian and Belarusian banners to Melbourne Park, as long as they did not cause disruption.
But the policy was reversed last Tuesday morning after a Russian flag was prominently displayed courtside during a match involving Ukrainian player Kateryna Baindl.
That rule has been flouted on multiple occasions but Wednesday night’s incident was clearly the most blatant.
Russian and Belarusian players, like Russians Rublev and Karen Khachanov and star Belarusians Aryna Sabalenka and Victoria Azarenka, are allowed to compete in Melbourne, but must do so under a neutral banner.
They were banned by the All England club from participating at Wimbledon last year in reaction to Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Russia is Belarus’ largest and most necessary financial and political associate.
