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Fans barred from Sweden v Israel


 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 15:33

Malmo city officials have chosen to play in an empty stadium because they cannot guarantee security at the 4,000-seat Baltic Hall. The opening round series is played on Friday through Sunday, and city officials expect Anti-Israel protests in the town. Some 1,000 police have been amassed to ensure protesters do not get near the arena.

Israeli tennis player Andy Ram himself fresh from a recent international dispute at the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships has labelled it a stupid decision.

I think it was a wrong decision. I think it maybe can open the door for other countries to make a stupid decision like this one, said Ram. He continued, I think its going to be very bad to play without a crowd.

Davis Cup team-mate Harel Levy added: We are here to play tennis. We are not here to talk about politics or to talk about terror.

2002 Australian Open champion Thomas Johansson is also disappointed his country wont get the benefit of a cheering crowd. When you play Davis Cup on home turf you want a full house, and we think its too bad that there wont be.

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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.