A passionate Auckland tennis fan says his excitement turned to frustration after he and a friend were forced to turn their Croatian football shirts inside out to attend the ASB Classic.
Joseph Erceg and his friend went along to Tuesday’s afternoon session to watch Croatian player Donna Vekić in her first-round match, but their day took a turn before they stepped inside the Stanley St stadium.
As they went to scan their tickets, the pair were informed by security that wearing national sports shirts was not allowed, and were ordered to turn their Croatian shirts inside out. Their national flags were also confiscated.
Seeking an explanation, Erceg said security staff told them the restriction was because of a new policy introduced by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) following last month’s Bondi beach massacre.
Erceg said he was baffled by the encounter, noting there was no information online indicating that sporting jerseys were banned and after asking if there were any shirts inside the venue that could be purchased, he said they were told to “go to Kmart and buy a shirt”.
To avoid further tension, the pair turned their shirts inside out and entered the venue, where they were repeatedly questioned by fellow patrons about why they were dressed that way.
Inside they encountered other Croatian fans who had a similar experience, including an 82-year-old man who had been asked to remove his shirt he was seen as a “threat” but decided to put his shirt on the right way once inside the venue.
Erceg told the Herald that as someone who attends the tournament every year, the experience was a tough pill to swallow and he was disappointed by the incident.
“These were ordinary passionate fans, simply wanting to celebrate their countries through sport and treated like criminals,” Erceg said.
“We were told it was because of geopolitical tensions in other countries and our shirts were too controversial and political.
“There was no prior notice of this policy and we had to ring up others to [tell them to] go home and change their shirts.”
Erceg, who has worn a Croatian shirt in previous years without issue, said he even checked with other security staff, who backed their colleague up.
“I go yearly and I love it,” Erceg said. “It’s one of the best events of the year.
“It’s just left a sour taste in our mouths about the whole Croatian community.
“What are they trying to achieve? It’s just not inclusive. It’s just wrong. You can’t have fun, you can’t, support your team. What, you know, what’s it going to lead to? What else are they going to ban?”
The page on the ASB Classic website stating the conditions of entry does not mention a ban on sporting jerseys. A spokesperson for the tournament also confirmed there was not a restriction on fans wearing sports attire.
There was a large Filipino contingent at the tennis to cheer on Alexandra Eala – who went on to beat Vekić – who were wearing sporting gear and carrying flags inside the stadium.
The spokesperson said as there was no record of the incident, they wouldn’t be able to provide further comment.
Erceg said he hasn’t laid a formal complaint but would be keen to raise concerns over his treatment with the tournament’s director.
Tournament security firm Executive Security Group did not answer questions about the incident.
Instead, the company’s director Darren Morton said any inquiries should be directed to Tennis Auckland.
Attempts to contact Tennis Auckland were redirected to ASB Classic organisers.
The Herald has contacted the WTA for comment.
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.