of French Open Just days after Belgium footballer David Goffin said a fan had spat chewing gum at him during a first-round match, the FA banned alcohol to curb rowdy fan behaviour.
French Open tournament director Amelie Mauresmo has announced that alcohol will no longer be allowed in the stands at Roland Garros after both Goffin and Iga Swiatek alleged problematic spectator behaviour.
David Goffin of Belgium watches a match against Alexander Zverev of Germany during the men’s singles second round during day five of the French Open 2024 in Paris, France, on May 30, 2024. (Mateo Villalba/Getty Images)
“Previously drinking was allowed in the stands, but not all stands. That’s over now,” Mauresmo said. Via ESPN. “If they go over the limit, misbehave or throw things at players, that’s it.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Mauresmo also said referees needed to be stricter in enforcing “respect for the players and the game”.
“We’re not going to tolerate any crossing over of those two things, that’s for sure. So the umpires have a very important role in this. And in terms of safety, we’re going to be looking at who is crossing over. So we’re going to try and calm those who are crossing over, or they’re out. If they go too far, they’re out.”
The 33-year-old Goffin addressed his fans after his win. French tennis players Giovanni Mpetzi Pericado.
A French fan holding a French flag shouts in support during the men’s singles match between Giovanni Mpetzi Pélicard of France and David Goffin of Belgium during the third day of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros complex in Paris on May 28, 2024. (BERTRAND GUAY/AFP via Getty Images)
“It’s clearly gone too far and it’s total disrespect. It’s becoming like football. Soon there will be smoke bombs, hooligans and fights in the stands,” he told local Belgian media. BBC.
French tennis player apologises for throwing ball at woman during French Open outburst
“It’s getting ridiculous. Some people are here to cause trouble rather than to create an atmosphere.”
Goffin claimed that several players in the locker room had complained about the attitude of the crowd.
“Someone spat chewing gum at me today,” he said, “so I tried to stay calm. If I had started to get angry about it, I might have become unstable.”
David Goffin of Belgium celebrates after his victory over Giovanni Mpetzi Perichardin of France in the men’s singles first round during day three of the French Open 2024 in Paris, France, on May 28, 2024. (Richard Kallis/Eurasia Sports Images/Getty Images)
Click here to get the FOX News app
Mauresmo said authorities would wait to see how the new measures work before taking further action.
“I’m really trying to wait and see if people respond well and are OK. If not, we’ll put other measures in place.”
Follow Fox News Digital X’s sports coverage,subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
