Djokovic’s father viewed posing with followers wearing Russia flags

MELBOURNE, Jan 26 (Reuters) – Australian Open organisers have issued a reminder to gamers and their entourages about their coverage on “beside the point flags” after a video emerged appearing Novak Djokovic’s father posing for footage with followers protecting Russian flags.

4 followers with “beside the point flags and logos” had been wondered by way of Victoria Police following Wednesday’s quarter-final between Djokovic and Russia’s Andrey Rublev. learn extra

A video additionally posted on social media confirmed one supporter at the steps of Rod Laver Enviornment protecting up a Russian flag with the picture of President Vladimir Putin on it.

Overdue on Wednesday any other video confirmed Djokovic’s father Srdjan posing for footage with followers protecting Russian flags.

“Gamers and their groups were briefed and reminded of the development coverage referring to flags and logos and to keep away from any scenario that has the possible to disrupt,” Tennis Australia stated in a remark on Thursday.

“We proceed to paintings carefully with tournament safety and legislation enforcement companies.”

Russian and Belarusian flags are banned from Melbourne Park all over the match after a criticism from the Ukraine ambassador to the rustic.

Belarus is a key staging flooring for Russia’s struggle in Ukraine, which Moscow phrases a “particular operation”.

Footage on social media additionally confirmed one fan within the crowd all over Wednesday’s fit with a “Z” on his blouse.

Russian forces have used the letter “Z” as an figuring out image on their automobiles in Ukraine following the invasion. Some supporters of the invasion have extensively utilized the signal.

Russian and Belarusian gamers had been banned from Wimbledon final 12 months however are ready to compete as person athletes with out nationwide association at Melbourne Park.

Their flags aren’t displayed beside their names in TV publicizes, as is the case for different gamers, and their country isn’t indicated on draw sheets.

Reporting by way of Shrivathsa Sridhar in Melbourne; Modifying by way of Peter Rutherford

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