After spitting incident at the French Open, alcohol is banned in the stands

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Fans have been banned from drinking alcohol in the stands at the French Open after Belgian player David Goffin claimed he was spat on by a spectator and complained of a “football-like” atmosphere on Tuesday.

Goffin accused the French Open crowd of “complete disrespect” during his five-set win over favorite Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, claiming a fan spat chewing gum at him.

Tournament director Amelie Mauresmo said security at the stadium would be increased and referees had been instructed to take stricter action against improper behaviour in the stands.

While the search for the fan who spat at Goffin is still ongoing, Mauresmo confirmed that spectators will no longer be allowed to drink in their seats – even on Court 14, which is notorious for its noise.

“Until now, alcohol was allowed in the stands. Now that’s over,” Mauresmo said at a press conference. “The referees will be even stricter to show even more respect for the players and the game.”

“That’s something we’re not going to tolerate, crossing those two things. That’s for sure. So the referees have a pretty important role to play in this matter.”

“And as far as safety is concerned, we will definitely try to find out who might be causing (trouble), because I believe there are a few who at some point go too far.”

Frenchman Mpetshi Perricard, the 20-year-old wildcard, had the full support of the home crowd, but Goffin said the fans had “gone too far”. Goffin, 33, was booed as he left the court after his victory, holding his hand to his ear.

“When you are insulted for three, three and a half hours, you have to annoy the audience a little,” Goffin told Belgian media, as reported Reuters“This clearly goes too far and is completely disrespectful.

“It’s really too much. It’s becoming like football, soon there are smoke bombs, hooligans and fights in the stands. It’s starting to get ridiculous. Some people are there to cause trouble rather than to create a good atmosphere.”

“Someone spit their gum at me. It (the game) got complicated. That’s why I wanted to stay calm. If I had started to get upset about it, it could have destabilized me.”

On Wednesday night, world number one and defending French Open champion Iga Swiatek called out fans for making noise during points after surviving an epic three-set battle against fellow four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka.

The match became an instant classic, but during her on-court interview at Philippe-Chatrier, Swiatek referred to a shot she had missed earlier in the third set when a spectator screamed as she prepared for a drive volley.

Unprompted, Swiatek said: “I’m sorry to bring this up. I have a lot of respect for you guys and I know we’re playing for you. This is entertainment and we’re also making money thanks to you.”

“But sometimes under a lot of pressure, when you’re yelling something during the rally or right before the return, it’s really, really hard to stay focused. I don’t usually bring it up because I want to be that kind of player that’s in the zone and really focused.

“This is a serious matter for us. We fight all our lives to get better and better. Sometimes it’s hard to accept that. There’s a lot at stake. There’s a lot of money to be won. Those few points can change a lot.

“So, guys, if you could support us between rallies, not during them, that would be really, really great. I hope you’ll like me anyway, because the French crowd might boo players they don’t like. I love you guys. I love playing here – let’s keep it up.”