the tennis federation Australia on Tuesday banned the Russian and Belarusian flags in the compound of the australian open after a protest by the ambassador of Ukrainewho saw the symbols of those countries in the stands.
The red, white and blue striped flag of Russia appeared in the stands Monday during the first-round matchup between the Ukrainian kateryna baindl and the Russian Kamilla Rakhimova.
“The flags of Russia and Belarus are prohibited within the Australian Opensaid the federation tennis australia it’s a statement.
“Our initial policy was that fans could bring them, but they couldn’t use them to disturb. We had an incident yesterday where a Russian flag was put up next to the track,” he said.
“The ban is effective immediately. We will continue to work with the players and fans to ensure the best possible environment to enjoy tennis,” she added.
Since the war launched by Moscow against Ukrainethe tennis players of Russia and also of belaruscountry that supported the invasion, compete with a neutral flag, as occurs in the Melbourne Grand Slam.
