VIP removal hardly punishment for Filos
Why can’t Australian Open officials ban Marcos Baghdatis’ cousin from sitting in the stands?
Filos is not one of three men facing criminal charges after Tuesday’s capsicum spray incident on Margaret Court Arena, however tournament organiser Craig Tiley thought enough of his behaviour to remove Filos’ VIP accreditation.
If that’s the case, why let him back in the public seats?
Whatever went on, police overreaction withstanding, the unruly behaviour didn’t happen in the players lounge, it happened in the stands. Like it or not, Filos is now the public face of Tuesday’s ugliness. Anytime Marcos wins a point against Lleyton tomorrow night, the camera will point to Filos for a reaction. A constant reminder that the Australian Open is not necessarily the ‘friendly slam’ anymore.
Tiley says he can’t control who players hand their personal tickets to. If that’s the case, Osama Bin Laden can sit in the cheap seats and expect a hassle-free night.
In fairness, Bin Laden turning up is unlikely. Afghanistan doesn’t have any players in the main draw.
It would not be difficult keeping Filos out. Marcos’ cousin doesn’t exactly carry an inconspicuous look, now does he?
Meantime, Marcos is going to cop a hiding from the media because he was videotaped singing anti-Turkish songs. Yeah, so what? The two nations don’t like each other. Not exactly breaking news. Do you think they’re extolling the virtues of the Greeks down at the Turkish club?
Remember, the capsicum hit the fan at a match that didn’t even involve Marcos.
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