Police to use Greek-speaking officers to monitor fans at Tsitsipas, Sakkari matches

The Victoria Police is using bilingual officers to monitor the Greek fans at the Australian Open and have issued a warning to disruptive and antisocial tennis supporters, according to The Brisbane Times.

Greek fans have come under the scanner at Melbourne Park for their disruptive behaviour during the matches of Greece's top players, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari. Up to 20 Greek supporters were ejected from Melbourne Park on Wednesday evening for their behaviour after Sakkari's match.

Acting commander Darren Franks, who is in charge of policing at the Australian Open, told the Brisbane Times that political chants were not in themselves considered inappropriate or offensive, and that police were monitoring for criminally offensive language or behaviour. “We are lucky to have many officers born overseas and who also speak another language, and we are using those officers. We have Greek-speaking officers and we have been using them for that scenario. We are working with Australian Open organisers around some early interjection work with security at the Open. As soon as we see any antisocial or disruptive behaviour we will act."

Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley has asked for supporters to be passionate but respectful of the players during the tournament. "Passionate fans are a big part of the Australian Open and the players enjoy the enthusiastic support they receive here in Melbourne. We encourage all our fans to be respectful of others. We are an inclusive event and won’t tolerate any antisocial behaviour. As always, we don’t comment on security, but work closely with Victoria Police and security experts to ensure the safety of everyone attending the tennis.”

Tsitsipas, seeded No. 6 in the men's singles, is due to play Canadian Milos Raonic in the third round while Sakkari is scheduled to play 10th seeded Madison Keys. Both matches are scheduled to take place on Margaret Court Arena on Friday.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/38A235x