Tennis: Five arrests at ASB

A pro Palestine protestor is arrested by police during a protest against Shahar Peer of Israel. Photo / Getty Images

Five people were arrested today in the latest protest against Israeli tennis player Shahar Peer's presence at the ASB Classic in Auckland.

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

Police moved in after a noise complaint about the chanting outside the tennis venue by about 20 demonstrators attacking Israel's policies towards Palestinians.

The brief period of chanting was barely audible inside centre court as Peer played her singles quarterfinal against Russian Maria Kirilenko.

Yesterday, about 10 protesters using a loud hailer made themselves clearly heard as they shouted slogans throughout the first set of Peer's straight sets win over Slovakian Magdalena Rybarikova on an outside court.

Police moved them on before the second set, arresting one man for disorderly behaviour.

- NZPA