Australian Open Spectator Forced To Remove 'Where Is Peng Shuai' T-shirt
Security and Victoria Police told the woman that she had to change out of the t-shirt because it was too "political".
By Stewart Perrie
A woman has been filmed in a confrontation with Australian Open security over her t-shirt at the Grand Slam.
Thousands of fans have been streaming into Melbourne Park wearing all sorts of clothing since the tournament began.
While you're free to wear whatever you feel comfortable in, there are a few rules that exist that have landed a few people in trouble.
One spectator was seen wearing a t-shirt that had 'Where Is Peng Shuai?' written on the back with an image of the Chinese tennis player's face on the front.
Peng Shuai has barely been seen in public since she posted then deleted a message on a Chinese social media about sexual assault allegations against a top government.
She has since spoken out about the post and denied everything that she previously claimed.
However, there has been a huge campaign to find where she is and have her speak openly and freely about her experience.
Some of her supporters have used the Australian Open as a place to promote that campaign, however it's clear Tennis Australia (TA) is against that idea.
Security and Victoria Police told the woman that she had to change out of the t-shirt because it goes against TA's rules.
A spokesperson for Tennis Australia told The Guardian: "Under our ticket conditions of entry we don't allow clothing, banners or signs that are commercial or political.
"Peng Shuai's safety is our primary concern. We continue to work with the WTA and global tennis community to seek more clarity on her situation and will do everything we can to ensure her wellbeing."
The Times reports another spectator with the same t-shirt was asked to remove it and security staff pounced on a banner that was unfurled to say 'Where Is Peng Shuai?'.
Victoria Police told news.com.au: "As part of the conditions of entry to the Open, nothing politically motivated can be displayed.
"Police engaged with the patrons in support of security, referencing the conditions of entry as they exited the venue."
In response to the controversy, a GoFundMe has kicked off to manufacture more t-shirts to distribute them to spectators at the Australian Open.
"How about we present major difficulties for Tennis Australia by printing off one thousand of these shirts and giving them out for free to spectators entering the Women's Grand Final," the fundraiser states.
It's pulled in nearly $10,000 in two days.
Featured Image Credit: GoFundMeTopics: Peng Shuai, Video, Australian Open, watch, Australia, Peng Shuai, Video, Australian Open, watch, Australia
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