Security guards initially seized the banner on Friday, which they later returned, and told protesters they could stay if they covered their T-shirts.
Tiley told AFP that people are allowed to wear the shirts “as long as they don’t come as a crowd to be disruptive, but be peaceful.”
He added that some people had come with a banner and two large poles, which will still not be allowed.
“If you come to watch the tennis, that’s fine, but we can’t allow someone to be a nuisance at the end of the day,” he told AFP.
DailyExpertNews has contacted Tennis Australia for comment, but has not heard anything yet.
‘Tennis Australia’s words mean nothing anymore’
Max Mok, one of three people involved in the protest, told DailyExpertNews on Tuesday that he and another protester ordered 1,000 “Where’s Peng Shuai?” T-shirts, which they want to hand out for free on Saturday at the tournament.
“Tennis Australia’s words have no meaning three days ago, but we will keep them honest, we will keep them on their promise,” Mox told DailyExpertNews.
On Saturday, DailyExpertNews Affiliate Channel 7 reported a response from the tournament organizer, which read: “Under our ticket terms, we do not allow clothing, banners or signs that are commercial or political.”
It added: “The safety of Peng Shuai is our number one concern. We will continue to work with the WTA and the global tennis community to gain greater clarity about her situation and will do everything we can to ensure her well-being.”
