Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Friday reiterated Australian help for Ukraine and criticized supporters of Russia’s invasion, after a video emerged exhibiting Novak Djokovic’s father posing with followers holding Russian flags on the Australian Open.
Police questioned 4 followers seen with “inappropriate flags and symbols” after Wednesday’s quarter-final match between Russia’s Andrey Rublev and favourite Djokovic, organizer Tennis Australia mentioned.
“I would like to say that Australia stands with the people of Ukraine. That is Australia’s position and Australia is unequivocal in our support for the rule of international law,” Albanese informed a information convention when requested by a reporter whether or not Djokovic’s father Srijan will be seen posing for photos with followers holding the Russian flag.
“We do not want to see any support given to a Russian invasion of Ukraine, which is having a devastating effect on the people of Ukraine.”
Djokovic’s father couldn’t be reached for remark.
The Serbian participant, who was on the heart of a storm of controversy over his COVID-19 vaccination standing finally 12 months’s Australian Open, has not commented on the incident and his spokesman didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
A video surfaced on social media exhibiting a fan on the steps of Rod Laver Arena holding a Russian flag with a picture of President Vladimir Putin.
Photos additionally confirmed a big “Z” on a fan’s shirt. The Russian navy has used the letter as an identification mark on its automobiles in Ukraine following its invasion. Some supporters of the invasion have additionally used the image.
In a number of the posts, Djokovic was seen posing with Russian supporters.
Australian Open organizers reminded gamers and their teammates on Thursday of their coverage on flags after a video of Djokovic’s father surfaced.
Russian and Belarusian athletes have been in a position to compete on the Australian Open as particular person athletes with out nationwide affiliation, though their flags have been banned from the event grounds following a criticism by Ukraine’s ambassador final week.
Djokovic was not vaccinated towards COVID-19 on the eve of the event final 12 months and acquired a three-year Australian journey ban.
That ban was lifted in November, permitting him to compete this 12 months.
Djokovic will proceed his bid to equal Rafa Nadal for a record-raising tenth Australian Open title and twenty second Grand Slam title when he takes on unseeded American Tommy Paul in his semi-final in a while Friday.
With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
