Russian and Belarusian flag ban at Australian Open prompts Russian embassy fury: "Another example of unacceptable politicization of sports"

After a Russian flag was flown during a first round tie between a Ukrainian and a Russian player in Baindl-Rakhimova at the Australian Open, the decision was made by Tennis Australia to ban the use of both the Russian and Belarusian flags on site.

Embassy of Russia in Australia did not respond kindly to this giving their damning verdict on the situation calling it a politicization of sports and said it goes against the previous mantra of the tournament in fair play.

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"The decision to ban Russian and Belarusian flags from appearing onsite at the Australian Open is another example of unacceptable politicization of sports," they said in a statement.

"On top of already discriminating against Russian tennis players with its ‘neutral flag’ policy Tennis Australia now went further by making sure they can not be visibly supported by their fans. Quite ironically, Tennis Australia pledges to ‘continue to work... to ensure the best possible environment to enjoy the tennis”.

"It is indeed regrettable to see the tournament organizers give in to overt and rather arrogant political manipulation sacrificing the spirit of fair play once inherent to the Australian Open."