Australian Open bans Russian flag after Ukraine complaint
Al JazeeraNov 25, 2022
The Facts
On Tuesday, the organizers of the Australian Open announced a ban on Russian and Belarusian flags being displayed on Melbourne Park property during the two-week tennis tournament.
The policy was adopted following complaints from Ukrainian fans who reportedly called security after a Russian flag was held up by fans during a match between Kateryna Baindl of Ukraine and Kamilla Rakhimova of Russia on Monday.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
Australian Open organizers have decided to adopt a policy that discriminates against players from two countries. It's unfair to penalize individual athletes and their fans for decisions taken by the leaders of their countries. This is an unacceptable politicization of sports, and will likely simply foment victimhood back home.
Pro-establishment narrative
Ukraine didn’t ask for its war with Russia, and shouldn't be subjected to displays of Russian flags. It’s questionable whether the Russian and Belarusian players should even be competing in this event, regardless of their personal stances on the war; Russia should have to pay in every possible way for the carnage it's caused.
