Topline
The organizers of the Australian Open will allow spectators to wear “Where is Peng Shuai?” shirts at the event, reversing Tennis Australia’s earlier ban on such clothing after it faced major backlash from former tennis stars and fans who accused it of trying to placate China.
Two spectators wearing “Where is Peng Shuai?” T-shirts, referring to the former doubles world number … [+]
Key Facts
Australian Open chief Craig Tiley told various news outlets that fans attending the grand slam event are allowed to wear a t-shirt and make a statement about Peng Shuai.
However, Tiley warned that any attempt to disrupt the event or any action that affects the “comfort and safety of our fans” will still not be allowed.
Elaborating further Tiley told Reuters that large banners with poles that “cover people’s ability to watch the tennis” will still be considered disruptive and be removed.
Tiley’s statement comes after social media furor over a video posted on Saturday which showed security officials at the Australian Open instructing some fans to remove shirts with the slogan on them.
Tiley added that the action taken by security staff last weekend was due to suspicions over “the motive and intent of the person coming in.”
The Tennis Australia chief also insisted that the organization had been supportive of Peng’s cause and claimed that it utilized its “resources in the region” to try and establish the Chinese player was safe immediately after her disappearance.
Crucial Quote
Noting ticketing decisions are made by the organizers of individual tournaments, a Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) spokesperson told the Age that it “appreciates the Australian Open’s commitment to Peng Shuai and we know they join us in being worried about her health and safety.” The WTA has suspended tournaments in China due to its concerns over Peng’s safety.
Key Background
Tuesday’s statement by Tiley is a walk back from Tennis Australia’s previous stance that it does not allow political statements at the Australian Open. The organizer’s previous decision was criticized by the Australian press but the most vocal condemnation came from retired tennis legend Martina Navratilova. Speaking during the Tennis Channel’s coverage of the grand slam event, Navratilova called the action “cowardly” during a broadcast and accused Tennis Australia of “capitulating” on the issue by allowing the Chinese to dictate what they do at their own event. She added “ This is not a political statement, this is a human rights statement.”
Further Reading
Tennis Australia reverses ban on ‘Where is Peng Shuai?’ shirts (The Age)
Australian Open: Peng Shuai T-shirt ban reversed after outcry (BBC News)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2022/01/25/australian-open-organizers-reverse-ban-on-where-is-peng-shuai-shirts-after-backlash/