Djokovic’s father seen posing with followers carrying Russian flags

Australian Open organizers have issued a reminder to gamers and their entourages about their coverage on “inappropriate flags” after a video emerged displaying Novak Djokovic’s father posing for footage with followers holding Russian flags.

4 followers with “inappropriate flags and symbols” have been questioned by Victoria Police following Wednesday’s quarter-final between Djokovic and Russia’s Andrey Rublev.

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

Late on Wednesday one other video confirmed Djokovic’s father Srdjan posing for footage with followers holding Russian flags.

“Gamers and their groups have been briefed and reminded of the occasion coverage relating to flags and symbols and to keep away from any scenario that has the potential to disrupt,” Tennis Australia mentioned in a press release on Thursday.

“We proceed to work carefully with occasion safety and regulation enforcement companies.”

Russian and Belarusian flags are banned from Melbourne Park throughout the event after a criticism from the Ukraine ambassador to the nation.

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

Images on social media additionally confirmed one fan within the crowd throughout Wednesday’s match with a “Z” on his shirt.

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

Russian and Belarusian gamers have been banned from Wimbledon final yr however are capable of compete as particular person athletes with out nationwide affiliation at Melbourne Park.

Their flags are usually not displayed beside their names in TV broadcasts, as is the case for different gamers, and their nation just isn’t indicated on draw sheets.