The Australian Open bans the flags of Russia and Belarus

tennis australiathe organizing body for the Australian Open, has banned the display of Russian and Belarusian flags at the tournament following an incident during a match between a Russian and a Ukrainian tennis player on the first day.

“The flags of Russia and Belarus are prohibited inside the Australian OpenTennis Australia said in a statement on Tuesday, which was refuted by local newspapers such as The Age.

The decision came after supporters of Russian tennis player Kamilla Rakhimova waved Russian flags in support of the athlete.leading in the first set from her opponent, Ukrainian Kateryna Baindl, as her fans called police and security teams in response.

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The Ukrainian ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, condemned on his Twitter account the display of Russian flags, almost a year after this country began its war offensive against the neighboring country, and urged Tennis Australia to “immediately to carry out its policy of flag neutrality”.

The organization explained on Tuesday that its first policy is that supporters can carry national flags but never “use them to cause tension,” and stressed that the ban on Russian and Belarusian insignia “is effective immediately.”

“We will continue to work with the players and our fans to ensure the best possible environment and enjoyment of tennis,” he added.

The organizing party is working with special emphasis this year to ensure that the Melbourne tournament passes without incident, after the last edition was monopolized by the exile of Novak Djokovic for not being vaccinated against covid-19.