Deputy Zhurova criticized the ban on bringing the flag of Russia to the stands of the Australian Open
The decision to ban the carrying of the Russian flag to the stands of the Australian Open tennis tournament raised questions from Svetlana Zhurova, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs. She stated this in a conversation with Lenta.ru.
The Australian Tennis Federation (Tennis Australia) banned fans from bringing Russian and Belarusian flags to the stands of the Australian Open due to complaints from Ukrainian spectators. This became known on January 17. It is clarified that the decision has already entered into force. Initially, fans from Russia and Belarus were allowed to bring national flags, but they were not allowed to wave them.
Will fans be searched now? I don’t understand the wording “don’t bring”. And if a person brings it for good luck in his bag and does not plan to get it?
“I had such a flag for good luck with which I won the Olympics. I wore it to other competitions, thinking that it could help our athletes. Such a magical element. Or will the flags be taken away from our fans in principle, even if it is in the bag?” Zhurova asked.
Attitude towards Russian athletes at tennis tournaments
At the same time, the politician noted that the International Tennis Federation remained almost the only one that does not prohibit Russian athletes from participating in tournaments.
The Tennis Federation is one of the oldest federations in the world and has always adhered to the principles of the sport. The federation is positioned in this way: the best athletes have the right to compete in all tournaments
“It seems like if an athlete does not carry a flag, but performs, then in the understanding of the federation, he will not be associated with politics. This form of performance of athletes is allowed, because then their rights, which the International Tennis Federation wants to observe, are not violated, ”she said.
Zhurova is convinced that this attitude of the International Tennis Federation towards Russian athletes demonstrates perseverance and courage. “And politicians cannot resist this. Somehow I have not heard from the European Union or the United States reproaches towards the International Tennis Federation, ”she concluded.
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According to Reuters, the reason for the ban on fans to bring Russian and Belarusian flags to the stands of the Australian Open (Australian Open) was, among other things, the complaint of Ukraine’s Ambassador to Australia Vasily Miroshnichenko. He was indignant that during the match of the first round of the Australian Open tennis championship between Ukrainian Katerina Beindl and Russian Kamilla Rakhimova, there was a fan with the flag of Russia on the spectator stand.
The Ukrainian diplomat also demanded not to allow the Russians to the tournament, but the organizers of the Australian Open refused to remove tennis players from Russia.
Earlier it became known that all media rights in Europe to broadcast the Olympic Games in the period from 2026 to 2032 were transferred to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). It will be broadcast in 49 countries and territories. The published list does not include Russia and Belarus.
Source: Lenta
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