Flags from Russia and Belarus have been banned from the Australian Open, effective immediately.

It comes after fans waved a Russian flag in support of Kamilla Rakhimova during her match with Ukrainian Kateryna Baindl yesterday, sparking outrage from Ukrainian diplomats and fans alike.

“We raised the issue for the simple fact that there is a war in Ukraine, Russia is killing sports people, Russia is blowing up sport fields and buildings, Stefan Romaniw OAM, Chair of Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations told Gary Adshead.

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“We opposed Russians’ playing but they are playing and therefore when the flags appeared we immediately protested as it is a disgrace.”

(Image: Ukrainian Kateryna Baindl and Russian Kamilla Rakhimova – Mackenzie Sweetnam/Getty Images)

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