Australian Open: Navratilova blasts Peng Shuai T-shirt ban

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The disappearance of Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai after posting allegations of sexual assault on the internet caused a lot of concern.

The decision by the Australian Open to ban T-shirts supporting Chinese players has been blasted by a retired tennis star.

Spectators were asked to remove T-shirts saying "Where is Peng Shuai?" by security staff on Friday.

After accusing a top Chinese official of sexual harassment, Ms Peng went missing for weeks.

Many remain concerned about her wellbeing after she re-appeared.

Tennis Australia defended their decision to take the T-shirt and banner from Peng Shuai, saying that her safety remained their primary concern.

"We don't allow clothing, banners or signs that are commercial or political under our ticket conditions of entry," it said.

Navratilova said the decision waspathetic.

Nicolas Mahut suggested that the event was under pressure from Chinese corporate sponsors.

Luzhou Laojiao and DeRucci are both listed as partners on Australia Open's website.

What's going on? There was no lack of courage. What if you didn't have Chinese sponsors? The man is Mr. Mahut.

Tennis Australia's decision to not allow a Chinese player in the tournament was called "not cool" by a researcher for Human Rights Watch.