The Australian Open has issued a warning to players after tennis star Novak Djokovic's father Srdjan was seen posing with flag-waving supporters of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In a video posted on YouTube by a known Putin supporter, Srdjan Djokovic can be seen posing with a supporter outside Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena.
The man is wearing a pro-war "Z" symbol on his shirt, while holding a Russian flag with Putin’s face on it. The “Z” symbol, which has been seen on Russian military equipment and clothing, is viewed as a sign of support for Russia, including its invasion of Ukraine.
According to Australian Open rules, Russian and Belarusian flags are banned from the event.
"Players and their teams have been briefed and reminded of the event policy regarding flags and symbols and to avoid any situation that has the potential to disrupt," an Australian Open spokesperson told CNN Thursday. "We continue to work closely with event security and law enforcement agencies."
The Australian Open spokesperson went on to say that "a small group of people displayed inappropriate flags and symbols and threatened security guards following a match on Wednesday night and were evicted."
CNN has reached out to both Novak and Srdjan Djokovic for comment.