Australian Open: Peng Shuai T-shirt ban reversed after outcry

The image is from the same source.There is an image caption.The disappearance of a Chinese tennis player after posting allegations of sexual assault on the internet sparked global concern.The Australian Open has reversed a ban on T-shirts supporting Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai.Spectators were asked to remove their T-shirts and banners before entering the grounds last Friday.After accusing a top Chinese official of sexual harassment, Ms. Peng vanished for weeks.Many remain concerned about her wellbeing after she re-appeared.The chief executive of Tennis Australia told reporters they would allow spectators to wear the T-shirt if they attended without the "intent to disrupt" and were peaceful.He was quoted as saying that it was fine for someone to wear a T-shirt and make a statement.He said that banners would not be allowed as they take away from the comfort and safety of the fans, and that security staff would make decisions on a case-by-case basis.Tennis Australia has a longstanding policy of not allowing banners, signs or clothing that are commercial or political.They said that they were happy to welcome the spectator back to the tournament grounds, but that the policy will continue to apply to any items that compromise the safety and comfort of Australian Open fans.It didn't elaborate.The decision to ban the shirt was met with fierce criticism from human rights groups and the international tennis community, with some suggesting that they were bowed to pressure from major Chinese corporate sponsors.In an interview with Sky News, Australia's defence minister Peter Dutton called Tennis Australia's actions "deeply concerning".I would encourage Tennis Australia to speak up about these issues.The Women's Tennis Association pulled all tournaments from China this year in response to the controversy.Friday's incident has led to the creation of a Gofundme page that promised to print out more T-shirts after reaching its goal.Tennis Australia has terms and conditions governing spectators' conduct.Political statements, objectionable or offensive statements are not allowed at Wimbledon.In November, Ms Peng posted a 1,600-word note on Chinese social media platform Weibo, accusing former Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli of forcing her to have sex with him.She vanished from the public eye, triggering a wave of concern among the international tennis community, fans and human rights groups.In her first media interview after her reappearance, she denied making any accusations of sexual assault and claimed her social media post had faced a lot of misunderstandings.The caption is media.The missing Chinese tennis star is named Peng Shuai.Asia.China.Shuai.Australia.