The French Open has decided to ban alcohol from its stands due to many accusations of fans behaving obstructively. As reported by CNN, a representative for the French Tennis Federation confirmed that Amélie Mauresmo, the tournament director, made the statement during an unofficial press briefing at the media center.
“She reminded everyone of the rules concerning the prohibition of alcohol, the vigilance of security guards and the role of referees in managing the public,” the representative said.
Mauresmo: ‘A few things have needed to be put in place’
While the organizers were pleased with the level of enthusiasm shown by participants throughout the competition, Mauresmo advised reporters that “there are definitely steps which shouldn’t go further” and “a few things have needed to be put in place,” as stated by Reuters.
“Alcohol was allowed until now in the stands, but that’s over… If they exceed the limit, if they don’t behave well or if they throw things at the players, that’s it,” Mauresmo added.
This decision came after Belgian player David Goffin claimed that after his first-round victory over Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, a spectator spit chewing gum at him. He then expressed that some of the audience’s attitudes are becoming disrespectful.
“It’s becoming football. Soon, there will be smoke bombs, hooligans and there will be fights in the stands… It’s starting to become ridiculous. Some people are there more to cause trouble than to create an atmosphere,” Goffin remarked.
Source: CNN