OREANDA-NEWS   The Russian Embassy in Canberra has condemned the decision to ban Russian flags at the Australian Open Tennis Championship. The flag of Belarus is also banned.

"The decision to ban the display of flags of Russia and Belarus in the framework of the Australian Open championship is another example of unacceptable politicization of sports," the message published in the Telegram channel of the embassy reads. The diplomatic mission noted that the decision of the Tennis Federation of Australia (Tennis Australia) aggravated discrimination against Russian tennis players. Previously, a policy of "neutral flag" was carried out against them.

The embassy also pointed out the irony of Tennis Australia's promises, which stated its intention to continue working to improve "the conditions for enjoying tennis."

"It is truly regrettable to see how the organizers of the championship succumb to frank and rather brazen political manipulations, sacrificing the spirit of fair play once inherent in the Australian Open," the embassy added.