Tennis organisers will 'continue to act on complaints'

ASB Classic organisers will continue to act on complaints from fans over protests over Israeli Shahar Peer's appearance in the tournament. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Tennis Auckland says it will continue to act on complaints from fans if protesters targeting Israeli Shahar Peer return to the ASB Classic tomorrow.

Six people have been arrested this week, five of them today, over demonstrations outside the venue against Peer's presence at the WTA Tour event.

Tennis Auckland chief executive Greig Bramwell said there had "quite a few" complaints from fans about the noise made by the protesters, who have chanted slogans, beat drums and blown whistles.

"What Tennis Auckland is doing is acting for the patrons who have come to pay money to watch an exciting tennis event," he said.

"Therefore, if they complain to us about the noise or the disruption, we report that to the police and the police take action as they set fit."

Among those arrested today was protest leader John Minto, while another man was apprehended after he climbed a tree.

About 20 people protesting against Israel's policies towards Palestinians and calling for Peer's withdraw from the tournament gathered for her quarterfinal against Russian Maria Kirilenko.

The noise they made was not as audible inside centre court as it was yesterday on the outside court where Peer played her second-round match.

Despite the distraction, Peer has made it safely through to the semifinals, where she will meet third seeded Belgian Yanina Wickmayer tomorrow.

- NZPA