Activists wearing “Where is Peng Shuai” T-shirts at Wimbledon claim they were “harassed” by security staff as tennis legend Martina Navratilova hit out at their treatment.
There have been grave concerns for Shuai since the Chinese tennis player disappeared last year after making accusations of sexual assault against a top politician of the ruling Communist Party.
Watch Tennis Live with beIN SPORTS on Kayo. Live Coverage of ATP + WTA Tour Tournaments including Every Finals Match. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Shuai later walked back those allegations and made stage-managed public appearances, giving interviews saying she was fine. But most believe she was being coerced and not able to act of her own free will.
The WTA has been strong in demanding information on Shuai’s wellbeing and suspended tennis tournaments in China from its calendar until there is proof the two-time doubles grand slam champion is free.
A group of men from the Free Tibet campaign, who changed into “Where is Peng Shuai” shirts after entering the Wimbledon precinct, allege security warned them against spreading a political message or speaking to fellow spectators at the All England Club.
Per Wimbledon rules, fans are banned from wearing “any objects or clothing bearing political statements, objectionable or offensive statements or commercial identification intended for ‘ambush marketing’.”
As reported by The Guardian, Will Hoyles, 39, said: “We came trying to raise a bit of awareness but Wimbledon have managed to make it worse for themselves by harassing us.
“They were asking loads of questions about what we were going to do, why we were here, you know, what we’d already done etc.
“And we told them we had just been wandering around and we had spoken to a few people and that is when they seemed to get quite suspicious.”
Per the BBC, Jason Leith added: “We are banning Russian players and Belarusian players who have spoken out against the war (against Ukraine) but then there’s all these human rights abuses that the Chinese Communist Party have carried out but that’s absolutely fine — so it’s a double standard. It just doesn’t seem to make sense.
“It’s Wimbledon and she’s an ex-Wimbledon champion and if there’s anywhere to go and talk about this and to get that discussion brought back up again it’s going to be here.”
Navratilova, who has been outspoken previously about the need to raise awareness of Shuai’s plight, responded to a clip of the activists on Twitter.
“What? Not allowed to speak?!? WTH?” she wrote. “This is what Russia and China would do, right? But UK? Hmm.
“Unreal — putting a muzzle on peaceful human rights activists … isn’t that what Russia does? Asking for a friend.”
British MP Iain Duncan Smith also hit out, tweeting: “Dear Wimbledon, unlike in Xi’s China, we value free speech in this country. People wishing to raise their voices in support of #whereisPengShuai should be allowed to do so.”
A Wimbledon spokesperson said: “We can confirm that four guests were approached today by security whilst walking outside No 1 Court.
“These individuals are now enjoying their day with us and continue to be able to wear their T-shirts.
“Like much of the tennis community and people around the world more broadly, we remain very concerned for Peng Shuai and we continue to support the WTA’s efforts.”
A similar episode occurred at this year’s Australian Open, when a spectator was ordered to remove a shirt featuring a message of support for Shuai.
“Where is Peng Shuai” shirts were temporarily banned at Melbourne Park before activists were permitted to hand them out again at the women’s final.
