FORMER WIMBLEDON CHAMPION Andy Murray says he 'is not supportive' of banning Russian and Belarusian tennis players from this year's event.
After the invasion of Ukraine sporting bodies have banned Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing in sporting competitions. This includes football, formula 1, Olympic qualification etc.
Wimbledon announced that they would follow suit this month and have received mixed reactions from the likes of Novak Djokovic and Murray.
They have now doubled down on the ban for the competitors.
Although Murray doesn't have the answer to the problem, he does not support the ban of his fellow tennis players.
"I'm not supportive of players getting banned,"
"My understanding of the guidance was that Russians and Belarusians can play if they sign a declaration that they're against the war and against the Russian regime.
Andy Murray has said he is 'not supportive' of the Government’s plan to ban Russian and Belarusian players from competing in Wimbledon.https://t.co/rJEhgYpNx1
— GB News (@GBNEWS) May 2, 2022
I'm not sure how comfortable I would feel if something happened to one of the players or their families (as a result).
"I don't think there's a right answer.
"I have spoken to some of the Russian players. I've spoken to some of the Ukrainian players. I feel really bad for the players who aren't allowed to play and I get that it will seem unfair to them.
"But I also know some of the people who work at Wimbledon, and I know how difficult a position they were in.
"I feel for everyone, feel for the players that can't play, and I don't support one side or the other."
Rafael Nadal has also called the ban "very unfair".
"I think it's very unfair (on) my Russian tennis mates, my colleagues. It's not their fault what's happening in this moment with the war". he said
See More: Andy Murray, Tennis, Wimbeldon
