Ben Fordham has called out Melbourne Park security confiscating a T-shirt and banner featuring messages in support of Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai.

Tennis Australia said it “does not allow clothing, banners or signs that are commercial or political” at the Australian Open.

Shuai’s wellbeing became a matter of concern among the global tennis community and human rights groups when she appeared to allege online that a former Chinese vice-premier had sexually assaulted her in the past.

The post was removed shortly after, but Shuai disappeared from public life for a short period of time.

She has since said there was a “misunderstanding” and that she never accused anybody of sexual assault.

“The Australian Open tennis has the largest Chinese sponsorship deal in history,” Ben Fordham said.

“They don’t want to jeopardise the deal or the money.”

Press PLAY below to hear Ben’s comments in full

Image: Getty/Fred Lee