Family and Serbian Prime Minister blast Novak Djokovic’s deportation as ‘scandalous’
Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic and Djokovic’s family have slammed the deportation of Novak Djokovic as “scandalous,” with Brnabic claiming “we have two completely contradictory court decisions within the span of just a few days.”
The controversy surrounding World number one Djokovic has finally reached a conclusion after ten days.
Djokovic looked set to compete for a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam and defend his Australian Open crown until these hopes were dashed when his medical exemption was voided and his visa terminated.
Whilst Djokovic fought this decision in the Australian court and had his visa and exemption reinstated, Immigration minister Alex Hawke superseded the court’s ruling and cancelled his visa once again.
This second cancellation was upheld unanimously by three judges. This left the 20-time Slam champion no right to appeal and meant he would be deported just one day before the Australian Open got underway.
The decisions made throughout the saga proved divisive and polarising all over the world, although Serbia appear to be the most aggrieved by the treatment of their greatest ever tennis player.
Djokovic’s family have been extremely vocal in voicing their disapproval of the Australian Government’s decisions, going as far as to say “they are crucifying him like Jesus” and branding the fiasco the “greatest sporting scandal.”
In a recently-released statement, Djokovic’s family said “despite the scandalous behaviour towards Novak, we believed that the sport would win.” They also claimed the ruling was related with “politics and [all] other interests.”
Similarly, Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic told reporters in Belgrade, “I think the court decision is scandalous … I find it unbelievable that we have two completely contradictory court decisions within the span of just a few days.
“I am disappointed … I think it demonstrated how the rule of law is functioning – or better to say not functioning – in some other countries. In any case, I can hardly wait to see Novak Djokovic in our own country, in Serbia.
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