Two days after fans at the Australian Open were prohibited from wearing T-shirts that read “Where is Peng Shuai?,” Tennis Australia has reversed its decision to ban spectators from protesting.
A video shared to social media appeared to show officers confiscating the clothing, which referenced the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the well-being and whereabouts of the Chinese star who had accused a top Chinese leader of sexual assault.
“Yes, as long as they are not coming as a mob to be disruptive but are peaceful,” tournament director Craig Tiley said when asked if fans can continue their Peng protests, per ESPN's Jake Michaels. “It's all been a bit lost in translation from some people who are not here and don't really know the full view. The situation in the last couple of days is that some people came with a banner on two large poles and we can't allow that. If you are coming to watch the tennis that's fine, but we can't allow anyone to cause a disruption at the end of the day.”
