During Novak Djokovic’s victory over Andrey Rublev in the quarterfinals, protesters was spotted in the Melbourne Park crowd.
Photage of supporters waving a Russian flag bearing President Vladimir Putin’s image on the steps of Rod Laver Arena.
Four spectators at the Australian Open with “inappropriate flags and symbols,” according to Tennis Australia, the tournament’s organizers, are currently being questioned by Victoria Police.
“Inappropriate flags and symbols were displayed by four people in the crowd leaving the stadium, and they also threatened security personnel. They are still being questioned by Victoria Police after their intervention “In a statement, Tennis Australia said.
“Everyone’s comfort and safety are our top priorities, and we closely cooperate with law enforcement and security.”
The Ukrainian ambassador to Australia last week filed a complaint, leading to the ban on Russian and Belarusian flags from Melbourne Park during the Australian Open.
After the invasion, Russian forces in Ukraine began marking their vehicles with the letter “Z” as a means of identification. The sign was also used by some invasion supporters.