A fan brandishing a flag bearing Russian president Vladimir Putin’s picture is amongst 4 individuals police are interviewing following the incident exterior Rod Laver Area.

The group of followers gathered on the steps between two of Australia’s iconic tennis stadiums, Rod Laver and Margaret Courtroom Arenas, to make a provocative political assertion.

Supporters have flouted insurance policies banning Russian and Belarusian flags from the grounds of Melbourne Park because the match started on January 16.

However the incident on Wednesday night time, by which the group of 4 males brandished flags with Russian insignia with one bearing the picture of Putin, is essentially the most severe breach but.

“Victoria Police intervened and are persevering with to query them. The consolation and security of everyone seems to be our precedence and we work intently with safety and authorities.”

Tennis Australia moved to ban patrons from bringing Russian or Belarusian flags or insignia into Melbourne Park after they prompted offence within the preliminary levels of the grand slam.

“Our preliminary coverage was that followers may convey them in however couldn’t use them to trigger disruption. Yesterday we had an incident the place a flag was positioned courtside,” Tennis Australia stated final week.

“We are going to proceed to work with the gamers and our followers to make sure the very best surroundings to benefit from the tennis.”