Australian Open final protest: Two women arrested after banner is unfurled during Andy Murray defeat to Novak Djokovic

The incident caused a brief delay at the Rod Laver Arena

Australian Open officials have confirmed two people have been arrested following a court invasion during Novak Djokovic’s final victory over Andy Murray.

Two women managed to get onto centre court at the Rod Laver Arena as Djokovic led 4-3 in the second set.

A banner was simultaneously unfurled which read: “Australia Open for refugees. £shutdownmanus” before stadium security quickly removed the intruders and the banner, with a delay of around five minutes halting the match.

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Murray went on to win the second set but was beaten by Djokovic for a third time in the Melbourne showpiece, with the Australian Open official Twitter releasing a statement as the match continued.

“Two people have been arrested after a court invasion during the second set of the men’s final. £aus open £ausopenfinal,” they wrote.

“Security responded immediately. Both were quickly removed with minimal disruption to play. £ausopen.”

Security staff escort a protester out of the Rod Laver ArenaSecurity staff escort a protester out of the Rod Laver ArenaThe protesters, who also wore T-shirts with similar slogans, were campaigning against the government-led Manus Island immigration facility in Papa New Guinea.

The 27-year-old Djokovic was unperturbed by the event as the world number one turned the screw to record a 7-6 6-7 6-3 6-0 victory over Murray for his fifth Australian Open title.

PA

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/australian-open-final-protest-two-woman-arrested-after-banner-is-unfurled-during-andy-murray-defeat-to-novak-djokovic-10016415.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter