Second return of Serb.
Second return of Serb.
Match point being made?
One small mercy for him is that he’s unlikely to face those crowds in Australia unless he stays in the game for more than another 3 years
That truly is the icing on the cake.
in the end and I’d find it highly unlikely his TRAVEL agent didn’t know he’d been traveling and outside his declaration conditions
ftfy. That exemption was dodgier than a dodgy thing that had fallen out of the dodgems in dodgeville
Should be a busy day for the Australian press. I imagine his defense team were prepared for this and have already worked out what to do. The government side will already be expecting an appeal which may be why it took so long.
what can the appeal possibly be?
- Don't you know who I am?
- If you cancel my visa Serbian Australian's are going to burn the place down?
With his admission that his visa wasn't filled in correctly was he handing the Australian authorities an easy way of booting him out as he didn't fancy facing the boos, but that he'd still get to play the "woe is me" card? Or is he arrogant enough to think that folk would still support him?
Either way I'm glad he's (hopefully) going home as it stops giving the antivax lot ammunition.
Final set…
Tiebreak
Out.
Great news, but I'm also hoping that when he does get home he's going to be getting in to a lot of trouble with his own government for breaking their rules as well.
Always harder for a role model as they are in the spotlight so much more than the average joe public - which means they have to be extra careful and be very clean to show the best example - this has just shown that fame and fortune just bring arrogance and the thinking that you are untouchable.
Now...if we can only get our own house in order...
I’m surprised they stated he’s been cancelled due to presenting a health risk to the country. I think that could probably be argued against given he is highly unlikely to end up in hospital, nor is vaccination more likely to prevent transmission especially as he claims to already have been infected twice
Couldn’t they cancel it on basis his visa was full of errors? Surely that can’t be disputed at this stage?
Or maybe just say ‘sorry you aren’t getting in, you are a cxxx.’ Which also can’t be disputed at this stage
presenting a health risk to the country
Possibly they view that his anti-vax nonsense would encourage more Australians to refuse vaccination?
The government side will already be expecting an appeal which may be why it took so long.
I'd assume the timing was so that an appeal would be too late and he'd have to default his first round match.
I’m surprised they stated he’s been cancelled due to presenting a health risk to the country.
Very much this.
There are a lot of reasons his visa should he been cancelled (tbf, it's an own goal as he should never have had one in the first place as the recent covid was only for Aussie nationals returning for urgent reasons as I recall, and not for foreign nationals no matter how rich and arrogant). I would have thought the main reason for booting him was that to not do so was seriously detrimental to upholding their current border regs - why not just say that?
edit...
Possibly they view that his anti-vax nonsense would encourage more Australians to refuse vaccination?
Actually that makes a lot of sense and sort of ties up with my last point - he is a health risk by being a poster boy for the stupid. In the way that Boris and his number 10 pals are now poster people for those who will never again follow the letter of future lockdown regs in this country.
I’m surprised they stated he’s been cancelled due to presenting a health risk to the country. I think that could probably be argued against given he is highly unlikely
One clear risk is if they let him in with his somewhat sketchy exemption then it would encourage others to take the same approach. Showing zero tolerance would make it less likely anyone else tries the same trick.
Still potential for appeal… though unlikely to succeed. Government wil ddddddrrrrrrraaaaaaaggggggg their feet.
I can't imagine what appeal could succeed...unless the decision can be shown to be discriminatory in some way (IMHO letting him in would be discriminatory....allowing rules to be flouted because of who he is).
There's always the chance that they can show procedural errors I guess (again)
what can the appeal possibly be?
‘You can NOT be SERIOUS?!’
presenting a health risk to the country
Of course he is a health risk. He either:
1. lied about about having covid, is unvaccinated and therefore is a covid risk
or,
2.if he didn't lie, he was quite happy to be out and about when he should have been isolating. Either way, that presents a risk
He also made a 'mistake' on his visa form. He is not reliable or honest and that presents a risk.
One thing I was thinking - the rest of his team (Goran Ivanišević etc) all got in no bother. So you have to assume they are all vaccinated. So he is not surrounded by a plethora of anti vaxxers. How frustrated must they all be with him! Tennis player's teams are often on win bonus in their pay structure - behind the scenes they must be grumbling to each other that if the daft ****er could just have the jab they'd be getting on with their day job rather than trekking around the globe without a big pay day.
I’m surprised they stated he’s been cancelled due to presenting a health risk to the country.
They didn't cancel it on health grounds; the statement said
"Today I exercised my power... to cancel the visa held by Mr Novak Djokovic on health and good order grounds, on the basis that it was in the public interest to do so," Immigration Minister Alex Hawke said in a statement.
and as per before, if they allowed him in despite (highly suspicious, TBH) discrepancies / mistakes on his declaration anyone before or after who is denied entry for the same reason can justifiably shout foul (or FAULT! if preferred)
they can't let him off without creating a good order issue, hence that's enough. Health is only part.
I was wondering if the Aussie authorities had been spending the week trying to gather evidence that his covid test was fraudulent - as seems likely - perhaps in advance of the otherwise inevitable appeal. If they had managed to get evidence, it would be a slam-dunk - "**** off without any drama and we won't release this other incriminating stuff."
I see he’s started the appeals process. Struggling to see what possible justification he has other than try to delay things long enough to compete.
He really is an odious, spoilt little rat of a man. He should be thrown back in the detention centre until it’s been resolved rather than let him practice, such as would happen to any normal person
Will the Serb government rally around him this time though? Suspect his family and those on his gravy train will, but will they be so OTT with their chats?
If he wasn't one grand slam away from the outright record would he have already done the sensible thing and walked away. It's not a great look for him right now
Listening to the court case now....
I don't really understand it but it ND's lawyers are saying that the minister has accepted that he's medically allowed to stay but the fact that he's in the country is likely to excite the anti-vaxers - which is dangerous.
ND's lawyers also want him to not be detained at the hotel (because of the short period of time he would be there ..... just saturday evening/night) but I think the Gov lawyers are saying that he should.
Great news, but I’m also hoping that when he does get home he’s going to be getting in to a lot of trouble with his own government for breaking their rules as well.
One of their senior bods ( prime minister or president - can't remember which) said publicly that he has apparently committed a crime in Serbia by not isolating - a crime for which other serbians have gone to jail ( but fines more likely)
You’d like to think that after 3 days the reasons for kicking out would be absolutely watertight
Hadn’t it already been established he’s presented wrong info on his visa? Surely that invalidates it regardless of his vaccination status
The lack of humility and shame on display is truely eye watering it has to be said!
His mate Nigel will be enraged to see a nation taking back control of its borders.
I’m surprised they stated he’s been cancelled due to presenting a health risk to the country. I think that could probably be argued against given he is highly unlikely to end up in hospital, nor is vaccination more likely to prevent transmission especially as he claims to already have been infected twice
Couldn’t they cancel it on basis his visa was full of errors? Surely that can’t be disputed at this stage?
Or maybe just say ‘sorry you aren’t getting in, you are a cxxx.’ Which also can’t be disputed at this stage
Given his somewhat lax attitude to social distancing back in Serbia when he knew he was positive, I think it's fair to say he actually does pose an infection risk to others. He doesn't moderate or change his behaviour or interactions with others when he knows he's a carrier. You have to factor that into any decisions IMO.
Hearing his case in spite of the errors in his original application is a bit of a mixed bag: On the one hand it shows Aus' as being "fair" and willing to consider all aspects of a given case. But on the other hand most people without Djokovic's money and fame would have been promptly turned around on arrival, getting as far as he did perhaps highlights a bit of privileged treatment for the wealthy in the Australian immigration system...
Perhaps more generally, Anti-vaxxers (globally) need to learn that while any 'reasonable' objections to Covid rules will be listened to and considered, they can't expect special treatment or exemptions. And perhaps cynical missuse of "medical exemptions" should be treated more harshly (IMO)...
My understanding is the immigration minister has "godlike" powers here and can bar anyone for any reason so I really do not see what good this court challenge will do.
I would add that the judge hearing todays case seems very pro-vax.
....judge is back....
He has to stay in the hotel (I think!) when not at his solicitors before the appeal hearing.
ND solicitors are now trying to get his handing over to the border force tomorrow morning to take place at an undisclosed location to avoid press attention. He's effectively being told to sod off..... although now the gov sols are saying they'd be prepared to do something along those lines.
Judge is getting fairly pissed at ND solicitors!
Not a done deal that he will get kicked out yet. It still seems to dragging on.
I saw a quote from somebody that amused me "Novak has done everything he can - what else could he have done?" GET VACCINATED is I think the answer to that.
AIUI (I haven't been to Oz in a while) entry visas are always issued on the understanding that they can be cancelled at the border should any reasons/information come to light. It is up to the traveller to make honest and true declarations.
Minister had to call it...politically expedient...Border Force supported...Aus public happy...Court will rule on balance doesn't sufficiently meet criteria for cancellation of visa
Government says courts decide despite our efforts...everyone is happy ?
As much as I dislike the man and want him kicked out the country, I can’t see the argument given for kicking him out being upheld
I was under the impression the ‘caught covid in last 6 months’ had already been shown to not be a valid reason for exception, plus the fact his visa application had errors on it, so could be thrown out on that basis.
For the government to hang their hat on fact he’s a ‘bad influence’ seems quite bizarre tbh.
I was under the impression the ‘caught covid in last 6 months’ had already been shown to not be a valid reason for exception, plus the fact his visa application had errors on it, so could be thrown out on that basis.
No, his first deportation was rejected because proper process hadn't been followed. The facts remain the facts, and have now been re-examined by a higher authority.
Given his somewhat lax attitude to social distancing back in Serbia when he knew he was positive
I don't believe he was that stupid / that much of a dangerous asshole. I think he faked the positive test, as Der Spiegel reported. In that context, everything makes sense. I guess this is hard to prove, though.
Not impossible to prove - Australia may have a mutual legal assistance treaty with Serbia, in fact it is likely due to the Serbian ex-pat population in Australia. They could ask the Serbian authorities for the information about his test for the pursuit of legal proceedings.
ND's best move at this point is to slink back to Serbia and avoid the humiliation of deportation in custody.
The point about encouraging anti vax loons was brought up by his lawyers, not the govt lawyers. We don’t know what other factors played into the decision, if any, which haven’t been disclosed. Presumably his lawyers felt there was some merit to be gained from this one, possibly it is the govt’s weakest argument, but the others could be much stronger.
It's their main argument. There may be others but they're still looking into those.
So are we saying Novac is out of the Australian Open after only missing three shots?
Arf. Very good!
It’s a shame the BBC don’t also run a “Sports Ar*ewhole of the year” award
For the government to hang their hat on fact he’s a ‘bad influence’ seems quite bizarre tbh.
They're not. His defence want you to think the Govt case is as spurious as that becasue they know the other stuff (lying on a form etc.) is so damning.
I reckon he'll do a flit overnight.
I'd like to think spouting antivaxx bollocks was sufficient to bar entry, to be honest.
It’s a shame the BBC don’t also run a “Sports Ar*ewhole of the year” award
I reckon he’s an early contender for The Last Legs ‘Dick of the year’ award
Compared to Boris & Andrew??
I knew this was going to run and run from the get-go. The Aussies love being the centre of a global news cycle.
I seem to remember they kidnapped Frank Sinatra for a few days back in the 70's.
Hawke said he accepted Djokovic’s recent Covid-19 infection meant he was a “negligible risk to those around him”, but that he was “perceived by some as a talisman of a community of anti-vaccine sentiment”.
“I consider that Mr Djokovic’s ongoing presence in Australia may lead to an increase in anti-vaccination sentiment generated in the Australian community, potentially leading to an increase in civil unrest of the kind previously experienced in Australia with rallies and protests which may themselves be a source of community transmission.
“Mr Djokovic is … a person of influence and status.
“Having regard to … Mr Djokovic’s conduct after receiving a positive Covid-19 result, his publicly stated views, as well as his unvaccinated status, I consider that his ongoing presence in Australia may encourage other people to disregard or act inconsistently with public health advice and policies in Australia.”
Compared to Boris & Andrew??
They're all in the mix, and Boris already has a trophy
Edit, Boris has 2 trophies
They have dragged this out for days now. Aside from the legal challenges, the lack of sleep and practice must really be reducing his chances if he does get to play. I can’t think they could have done anything else to make it worse.
But if you can, send any ideas to:
😂😂😂
They have dragged this out for days now.
Hardly, they don’t have a tight schedule. Had novac decided to comply with the Australian entry requirements (ie was vaccinated) none of this would be happening (the rest of his entourage is in). Apparently there are people in the hotel waiting for 8 or 9 years...
Unfortunately for him it’s turned into something bigger than an self entitled ‘superstar’ getting the run around into something that the Australian government can’t really back down from without the potential to impact on their anti-covid strategy. I read yesterday that it’s sort of the equivalent of their Castle Barnard eye test moment. You need to be seen to be applying the requirements across the board to keep the majority on board with the restrictions.
Personally I would be going that he hasn’t met the stringent entry requirements and the discrepancies in his application (and the report of his breaking of covid isolation requirements in other countries) during the global pandemic means that, regrettably, they can’t grant him a visa at this time. And they’ll consider any future application more favourably should he be able to provide suitable evidence of vaccination.
Also an excellent example to all that your decisions have consequences and that you really need think things through...
I'm surprised to see the way the Aussie government seem to be leading their case unless there is a lot more they plan to include. At the moment the case seems very subjective and gives scope for the judge to rule in line with his own views.... not hard facts. I can still see him getting the green light to stay and play. Hope I'm wrong.
I can still see him getting the green light to stay and play. Hope I’m wrong.
Doesnt the minister have the final say without needing to give any reason if they so desire?
But if you can, send any ideas to:
😂
appeal reportedly rejected. Australia returns Serb
(although may be a second appeal or something, counsels are discussing in camera)
BBC
BREAKING
Djokovic loses appeal
Novak Djokovic is set to be deported from Australia, after losing his appeal against his visa cancellation.
Three judges have unanimously dismissed his appeal. They say they will give their reasoning later.
Game
Set
And match
Glad! Hopefully it jus proves money won't let you weasel out of every situation.
That is good news. Would have been a diaster for Aus border controls and their vaccine rollout if he had been allowed to play.
They say they will give their reasoning later.
Yeah, nah, mate.
My interpretation of the very brief summary I saw on the Beeb is, "it's within the ministers power and remit to boot you out, the reasoning the minister gave is entirely subjective but given its a discretionary power completely valid. You failed to prove the minister didn't think that you were a risk so you have to go" had they gone for the other travel etc there's a chance he could have weaseled out by proving someone else did the paperwork etc.
It's "I didn't believe I was at a party" only it's being used to enforce the law rather than evade it.
Hard to have any sympathy for Djokovic failing to play the system. If any good has come from this it's the exposure of Australia's harsh immigration system. They've not come across as a fair and welcoming place have they!
They’ve not come across as a fair and welcoming place have they!
Happy not to welcome anti-tax bellends.
There is lots not to like about Australia's immigration laws - but nobody here is particularly upset about this
Great news.
Big prick afraid of a small prick.😁
They’ve not come across as a fair and welcoming place have they!
Because they've given two court hearings to someone who falsified their entry documents, didn't meet the requirements for entry, admitted they broke the law in their own country (and it would also have contravened aus law) shortly before arriving and claims the photos of them at public events which would also have been breaking the same law are falsified both of which would bar them from entry before they've told him to go home?
Or do you mean because he's had a fair hearing in remarkable time because he's famous and wealthy when others wait for years for their day in court?
Or because of things like this? https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_immigration_detention_facilities
I’d laugh if Salvatore Caruso won the Open.
If any good has come from this it’s the exposure of Australia’s harsh immigration system. They’ve not come across as a fair and welcoming place have they!
I never thought they were.
But they've given someone who has brazenly lied and raised facts for his own purposes two legal hearings and then demonstrated that actions have consequences and stood up to him. I actually quite admire it.
They've simply found a way to enforce Rule#1. More places should do it .
Or because of things like this? https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_immigration_detention_facilities/blockquote >
This case is totally irrelevant to normal practice. A lot more people in the world now know about the case of others less wealthy.
The right outcome and the only one the Aussie government was going to be able to have without a fundamental breakdown of their system.
As other above, 'the system' seems to have been more than fair to him. With enough money and clought he has been able to have two court hearings and seemly could have appealed again.
The biggest issue for me is how it came to this. If they intended the rules to be vaccinated overseas applicants only how did they manage to leave a loophole open that allowed him to get an exemption in the first place. It should have been so drum tight that 6 weeks ago he'd have met with his team in Serbia and realised there was no point in even trying. It would have been a complete non story beyond a side note to the open saying the defending champion not being here because he elected not to have a vaccine and all the commentators suggesting he was a plonker.
It must also be noted that the vast majority are typing contributes to this thread from a nation which does not have the balls to put in place similar measures. We have enough dafties of our own and I would have not issue with restrictions in place to reduce the ability us adding to that number. But the current mob see that as economically not prudent. Compared to the money spunked on dodgy PPE deals to mates, a few anti vaxxers not able to come to the UK to stare at Buck Palace feels like a non issue.
a nation which does not have the balls to put in place similar measures
Australia, along with a few other countries, took the stance of trying to simply keep covid out.
The UK and majority of the world realised {probably correctly} that was not possible so they haven't needed to take the same border control steps.
The UK and majority of the world
realisedtook a punt on very little {probably correctly} that was not possible
I think it was fairly obvious after a short while that it couldn't be kept out forever.
Indeed but let's not pretend that how we got to this situation with our gov is little more than high stakes poker.(not taking into account the hindsight that we have that the gov didn't have back when they made their decisions)
Aus can essentially decide and control when it lets rip.
I know which seems the more measured approach.
@csb I think you misunderstood me, my point is that ND's case, if anything, points to a fairer more welcoming system than anyone who has read the news in ten years would think it is.
I mean, Priti Patel's policies come across as less harsh, more welcoming and fairer then Australian immigration policy.
Sharkbait - not clamping down on travel in and out of the UK caused many many thousands of deaths that were unnecessary
Uk government decision were too little too late which is why we have had such an awful death rate and also why we have had to endure harsh measures for so long - because of refusal to do anything quickly enough led to huge spikes in infections
compare our death rate to Aus
Also Patel is utterly evil - trying to criminalise rescuing drowning people.
I know which seems the more measured approach.
And the easier one when you effectively have only one method of entry into the country.
because of refusal to do anything quickly enough led to huge spikes in infections
compare our death rate to Aus
Comparing the UK with an "island" in a different hemisphere with very different weather, demographics and population densities is very difficult.
