Erceg said he was baffled by the encounter, noting there was no information online indicating that sporting jerseys were banned. After asking if there were any shirts inside the venue that could be purchased, he said they were told to “go to Kmart and buy a shirt”.
To avoid further tension, the pair turned their shirts inside out and entered the venue, where they were repeatedly questioned by fellow patrons about why they were dressed that way, and they were stunned by the number of fans wearing other nations’ jerseys.
Following the confusion, a spokesperson for the Minister for Sport said: “While it is a matter for WTA, the minister is seeking advice from Sport NZ” on what had occurred with Croatian fans at the ASB Classic.
Sports Minister Mark Mitchell, here at the National Manu Champs, wants answers over the ASB Classic incident. Photo / Zach Quin
Mitchell’s office said he will be able to provide further comment when more information comes to hand.
Yesterday, a spokesperson for the tournament confirmed there was not a restriction on fans wearing sports attire.
The spokesperson said yesterday that because there was no record of the incident, they wouldn’t be able to provide further comment.
However, today an ASB Classic spokesperson clarified the error lay with the security team, and acknowledged the incident had occurred.
“In an isolated incident on Tuesday, this policy was misinterpreted by a security guard. This was addressed, and the correct interpretation has been clearly reinforced across the security team.”
The spokesperson said tour rules mean flags are prohibited from the stadium, but this does not apply to clothing, including T-shirts or other apparel.
“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,” the spokesperson said.
“The ASB Classic remains committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all spectators.”
A Croatian tennis fan was made to turn his shirt inside out by security staff at the ASB Classic.
An American fan had a similar experience last year at the ASB Classic.
The fan, who didn’t want to be named and is a dual US-New Zealand citizen, said they were asked to remove their jacket, which had an American flag on the back of it, before entering the stadium.
The back of the jacket only became visible after they removed their backpack. They were told they weren’t allowed to show the flag or the country, and had to put it in their bag or in the car.
The fan was disappointed after then seeing a man sitting in the corporate section with a hat covered in the stars and stripes.
Last night, a large Filipino contingent at the tennis to cheer on Alexandra Eala – who went on to beat Vekic – wore sporting gear and carried flags inside the stadium.
Some Filipino fans did reach out to the Herald to say their flags were also taken upon entry.
Erceg said he has tried to contact tournament organisers about how he was treated, but has yet to get a reply.
He said he spoke with other Croatians inside the venue who had encountered the same issue at the gate, including an 82-year-old who flipped his top back around upon entry.
Fans with a Filipino flag at the ASB Classic.
Tournament security firm Executive Security Group did not answer questions about the incident.
Instead, the company’s director, Darren Morton, said any inquiries should be directed to Tennis Auckland.
Attempts to contact Tennis Auckland were redirected to ASB Classic organisers.
The Herald has contacted the WTA for comment.
Following the unauthorised jersey snub at the ASB Classic, the city’s football team, Auckland FC, have come to the party.
After reading the Herald’s initial story, Auckland FC have offered Erceg and Semic complimentary Black Knight Lounge tickets to their next home game on January 24 against the Central Coast Mariners.
Auckland FC are currently top of the A-League standings.
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.