Deputy of the State Duma of the Russian Federation Svetlana Zhurova, in a commentary for SE, reacted to the action with Russian flags at the Australian Open.
“Now, unfortunately, the appearance of the Russian flag can be regarded as a provocation. On the other hand, people have an impulse that is completely sincere. And they probably don’t think they can do any harm. They think they are helping us and are friendly and supportive. And in the end, this may be reflected in such a way that the organizers do not want to let us in. But these are my fears that such spiritual impulses and the desire of people to help us can lead the organizers to perceive this inadequately, ”Zhurova told SE.
Earlier, the Australian Tennis Federation banned the Russian and Belarusian flags from being carried into the stands.
Fans, including Serbs, held a flag with a portrait of Russian President Vladimir Putin, a DPR flag, and some were wearing Z-shirts.