Novak Djokovic comments row escalates as complaint made to Human Rights Commission
Novak Djokovic comments row escalates as complaint made to Human Rights Commission
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The Serbian Council of Australia has submitted an official complaint to the Human Rights Commission over presenter Tony Jones' comments about Novak Djokovic. The complaint represents a major escalation in the war of words between the duo, despite Jones having apologised directly to the tennis superstar. The Channel Nine presenter found himself in hot water after hosting a package from Melbourne Park last Friday.
Jones was stood with a crowd of people holding Serbian flags and chanting in the background. He joined in with the tune of the chant, though substituted words of support for Djokovic with disparaging remarks about the 10-time Australian Open champion.
“Welcome back to Melbourne Park, we can see the Novak Djokovic fans there in full voice, the chants are quite extraordinary,” Jones said. “Novak, he’s overrated. Novak is a has been. Novak, kick him out. Well, I am glad they can’t hear me. Anyway, let’s get on to the tennis.”.
Djokovic has refused to take part in court-side interviews since the comments were broadcast. Jones did apologise, but could find himself in further trouble after the SCOA lodged a complaint for 'mocking' the Australian-Serbian fans. “Evidence from crowd members suggests that Mr Jones invited the Australian-Serbian fans before a live broadcast and asked them to begin chanting and cheering. The fans were led to believe that they would be filmed as part of a Channel Nine segment on Australian Open fans,” a statement from the Council read.
