Serb harnessed for Russian propaganda
Video scandal about Papa Djokovic
Images of Russian war symbols cause a scandal at the Australian Open. Criticism is also raised against Novak Djokovic’s father Srdjan. Apparently, he let himself be used for Russian propaganda.
Published: 4:50 p.m
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Updated: 5:10 p.m
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Novak Djokovic is in the semifinals at the Australian Open.
The Australian Open is overshadowed by a big fan scandal. Incidents during and after the game between world number 2 Novak Djokovic and Russia’s Andrei Rublev are becoming more and more popular. And right in the middle is Srdjan Djokovic, the father of the 35-year-old Serbian tennis star.
Initially, pictures of Russian fans with Putin flags and other “inappropriate flags and symbols” (according to the organizers) in the stadium caused criticism.
Despite the flag ban: Fans wave Putin flag at Australian Open(00:12)
A video has now also appeared showing Srdjan Djokovic in Melbourne Park at night after the game between Djokovic and Rublew. In addition to the 62-year-old, a man with a Russia flag and a portrait of Putin poses in the pictures. The stranger also wears a shirt with a large “war Z” on the chest. However, the symbolism does not seem to have stopped Papa Djokovic from smiling at the camera with the man.
“It’s the complete package”
The man promptly used the moment at Srdjan Djokovic’s side for a video greeting to Alexander Saldostanov. He is the founder and boss of the so-called “Night Wolves”, a nationalist rocker club loyal to Putin, which has repeatedly attracted attention in the past with anti-Western and violence-glorifying actions.
The damage is done for the Australian Open. There are questions as to how the flags and other symbols got into the Rod Laver Arena and why no action was taken in the park around the stadium.
The Ukrainian ambassador to Australia and New Zealand, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, has meanwhile reacted harshly to the incidents. On Twitter he speaks of a “shame”, which can be seen in the video with Novak Djokovic’s father. “It’s the complete package. In addition to Serbian flags there are: a Russian flag, Putin, the Z symbol and the flag of the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic. »
Neither Novak Djokovic nor his father have commented on the incidents so far. The “Djoker” will play his next game in Melbourne on Friday. In the semifinals, the Serb meets the American Tommy Paul. (cat)
All results from the Australian Open
The first tennis highlight is coming up in Melbourne: Click here for an overview of the results of the Australian Open.
The first tennis highlight is coming up in Melbourne: Click here for an overview of the results of the Australian Open.
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