A tennis fan forced to turn his Croatian football shirt inside out to attend the ASB Classic says he does not accept tournament organisers' explanation of the incident as an "isolated" misunderstanding.
Joseph Erceg and his friend Neven Sumich attended Tuesday's session to watch Croatia's Donna Vekić, but security told them wearing national sports shirts was not permitted in the stadium due to a new Women's Tennis Association (WTA) policy in response to geopolitical tensions.
Erceg told 1News he was baffled by the policy, saying there was no information online about it.
He said when they questioned it, security staff suggested they "go to Kmart and buy a shirt". Eventually, the pair turned their shirts inside out to gain entry.
Erceg said he felt like he was "walking around like a clown with a shirt inside out".
"Then, we're seeing other people there in All Blacks' shirts."
ASB Classic organisers said in a statement the incident stemmed from a misinterpretation of tournament rules and stressed that clothing displaying national identity was allowed.
"The ASB Classic wishes to reiterate its policy that, as per tour rules, flags are prohibited from the stadium to ensure the comfort of all guests and does not apply to clothing, including T-shirts or other apparel," the statement read.
"No patrons would be prevented from entering the venue on the basis of what they are wearing, unless it is inappropriate or offensive. This week has seen many supportive fans attending matches wearing a wide range of national attire."
Organisers said the incident on Tuesday was "isolated" with the policy misinterpreted by a security guard.
"This was addressed and the correct interpretation has been clearly reinforced across the security team. The ASB Classic remains committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all spectators."
However, Erceg said organisers had not contacted him directly and he rejected the suggestion the incident was a one‑off.
"It happened over a number of days to a number of people from a number of countries, and they're trying to say it was an isolated incident? It really riles me up," he said.
"I was so disappointed to hear their response trying to brush it aside, no apology to my friend or to other people walking around like idiots."
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