DailyExpertNews
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Four people attending the Australian Open were questioned by Victoria police after they “disclosed inappropriate flags and symbols and threatened security guards,” a Tennis Australia spokesperson told DailyExpertNews on Wednesday.
“Four people in the crowd leaving the stadium unveiled inappropriate flags and symbols and threatened security guards,” the spokesman said. “Victoria police intervened and are continuing to question them.
“Everyone’s comfort and safety is our priority and we are working closely with security and authorities.”
Photos taken by Getty Images show a man wearing a T-shirt with the letter “Z” on it while at the Rod Laver Arena during Wednesday’s quarterfinal between Russia’s Andrey Rublev and Serbia’s Novak Djokovic.
Tennis Australia did not say whether the man in the photos is one of four people being questioned by police. It is not clear when the man first wore the shirt. Another photo shows the same man wearing a different shirt.
DailyExpertNews has issued a request to Victoria Police for comment
The “Z” symbol is seen as a sign of support for Russia, including the invasion of Ukraine. The symbol has been seen on Russian equipment and clothing in Ukraine.
Tennis Australia previously said fans are not allowed to bring the Russian or Belarusian flag onto the Australian Open grounds in order to enforce the “neutral flag” policy.
