Channel Nine has sensationally been accused of orchestrating the Serbian crowd that led to controversial comments about Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open.
Both tennis great Paul McNamee and Serbian Council representative Dr Nina Markovic Khaze allege the network deliberately set up Serbian fans to chant before presenter Tony Jones mocked them and Djokovic during a live broadcast.
The claims emerged just hours after Jones issued an apology to the 24-time grand slam winner for his remarks, which had prompted Djokovic to boycott the tournament’s host broadcaster.
The incident has sparked outrage within Australia’s Serbian community, with formal complaints now being lodged.
Speaking in front of Serbian supporters at Melbourne Park last Friday, Jones had mockingly chanted: “Novak, he’s overrated … Novak’s a has-been. Novak, kick him out.”
Novak Djokovic staged a protest over Tony Jones’ comments
EUROSPORT
The Serbian fans remained unaware of his words during the live cross.
The comments prompted an immediate response from Djokovic, who launched a media boycott of Channel Nine until a public apology was issued.
Jones delivered his apology on Monday, acknowledging that his “kick him out” remark could be interpreted as a reference to Djokovic’s Covid-era deportation from Australia.
According to McNamee, writing in The Age, Serbian supporters were approached to participate in filming while enjoying themselves in Garden Square at the Australian Open.
“According to a number at that gathering, they were asked to begin chanting for their man for filming purposes,” McNamee wrote.
He explained the fans “duly complied, not knowing in the segment Jones would, in an attempt to be funny, begin his own chant.”
McNamee called it “a stitch up from a senior presenter for the host broadcaster that backfired badly” and said it “opened a deep personal wound with the tournament’s greatest male champion.”
Tony Jones has since apologised for his comments
CHANNEL9
Dr Markovic Khaze told ABC radio the incident was “absolutely traumatic” for many in the Serbian community.
“She said that she was at Rod Laver Arena when a cameraman encouraged all the fans to chant, and then all the comments came through,” Dr Markovic Khaze said.
One community member described feeling as if they were “back to the Covid era,” according to Dr Markovic Khaze.
She claimed the 2022 deportation controversy had led to discrimination against Serbian-Australians, even affecting children in schools.
“Some of the fans that were there at that moment, they almost felt as if they were set up,” she added.
While Jones has apologised specifically to Djokovic, the Serbian Council is demanding a broader response from Channel Nine.
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
Novak Djokovic faces Carlos Alcaraz next
Getty
“This is a global issue, this is not one commentator saying whatever the hell they want,” Dr Markovic Khaze said.
She emphasised that the matter involved “a global media star who is deeply offended.”
“Channel Nine can do better, we as a society must do better,” she added.
The Serbian Council wants Jones to be sacked over the comments and has lodged a complaint with the Human Rights Commission.
Channel Nine has been contacted for comment regarding the orchestration claims.
+ There are no comments
Add yours