Police questioned 4 followers seen with “inappropriate flags and symbols” after a quarter-final match on Wednesday between Russia’s Andrey Rublev and favorite Djokovic, organisers Tennis Australia mentioned.

“I will make this point, that Australia stands with the people of Ukraine. That is Australia’s position and Australia is unequivocal in our support for the rule of international law,” Albanese informed a information convention after a reporter requested if Djokovic’s father, Srdjan, needs to be deported after he was seen posing for photos with followers holding Russian flags.

“We do not want to see any support given to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, that is having a devastating impact on the people of Ukraine.”

Djokovic’s father couldn’t be reached for remark.

The Serbian participant, who was on the centre of a storm of controversy over his COVID-19 vaccination standing ultimately yr’s Australian Open, has not commented on the incident and his spokesman didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.

A video emerged on social media confirmed a fan on the steps of Rod Laver Arena holding up a Russian flag with the picture of President Vladimir Putin on it.

Photos additionally confirmed one fan with a big “Z” on his shirt. Russian forces have used the letter as an figuring out image on their autos in Ukraine following their invasion. Some supporters of the invasion have additionally used the signal.

Srdjan Djokovic was seen in some posts posing with the Russian supporters.

Australian Open organisers on Thursday issued a reminder to gamers and their entourages about their coverage on flags after the video of Djokovic’s father emerged.

Russian and Belarusian athletes are capable of compete as particular person athletes with out nationwide affiliation on the Australian Open, although their flags are banned from the match grounds after a grievance by Ukraine’s ambassador final week.

Djokovic was deported on the eve of the match final yr for not being vaccinated in opposition to COVID-19 and obtained a three-year Australian journey ban.

That ban was rescinded in November, permitting him to compete this yr.

Djokovic will proceed his bid for a record-extending tenth Australian Open title and twenty second Grand Slam crown to match Rafa Nadal when he takes on unseeded American Tommy Paul of their semi-final in a while Friday.