Police intervene after Emma Raducanu super‑fan incident at Australian Open

James Bray, the Australian Open fan who was christened 'Raddo' by Emma Raducanu, was kicked out of Melbourne Park on Friday night after he was deemed 'too rowdy'

A tennis supporter who became an internet sensation for backing Emma Raducanu has been booted out of the Australian Open for being 'too rowdy'. James Bray grabbed headlines this week after the British star singled him out following her victory over Mananchaya Sawangkaew.

Throughout her straight-sets win, Bray - sporting a distinctive ' Australia ' tank top - repeatedly called her 'Raddo'. During her on-court interview, Raducanu gave him a special mention, saying: "Thank you to the support, I think it was incredible on both sides, and a particular shout-out to 'Raddo' apparently is my new nickname. You're invited for every match, just let me know, let my agent know, and you're here."

The tennis ace later made a public appeal to track down her enthusiastic fan. Despite his sudden celebrity status, things went downhill during Friday's action at the Rod Laver Arena. Whilst supporting Alex de Minaur against Frances Tiafoe, Bray's vocal encouragement was considered 'too rowdy' and he was told to leave.

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The fan shared the incident on his Instagram story, filming police officers handing him a directive to depart for 24 hours alongside a $700 (£354.88) fine, although he avoided a lengthier prohibition.

He informed his followers: "So we've got the police here, unfortunately I'm being kicked out of the Australian Open because I've been too rowdy."

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An officer then informed Bray he was barred from returning to Melbourne Park for the following 24 hours. "Kicked out of the Australian Open because I am a fan, thank you very much," he retorted sarcastically.

"I appreciate being kicked out of the Australian Open for being an Australian Open fan, being a tennis fan."

As he was led away by a group of police officers, Bray continued to film outside the venue. Despite his clear annoyance, he described the experience as 'quite fun'.

"This is hilarious, I've got the police force here taking me out," he added. "I feel like this guy [an Australian Open security guard] doesn't want to do it, and that's fine.

"The police force is taking me out of the Australian Open. I'm a big fan, no dramas. But the cops are here. It's quite fun, quite fun."

Once he had been escorted off the tournament grounds, Bray commented: "Bit of a weird feeling, paid $700 for a ticket to the 'Demon' [de Minaur]. I feel like everything was going well.

"I was cheering him, not disrespectful, I wasn't cheering in between double faults or in between serves or nothing like that.

"I was just cheering on him like I would generally cheer on any Australian on any court. For some reason security came up to me and said: 'Sorry mate, you've been warned, you need to leave'.

"It was a bit of a weird one. I feel like I wasn't doing anything bad. Everyone around me was cheering. I wasn't being disrespectful, Tiafoe was playing well, Demon was playing well. Dunno, got kicked out. Security literally f***ing strong-armed me."

A Tennis Australia spokesperson confirmed that Bray received multiple verbal warnings before being escorted out.

"Security received a number of complaints from fans in Rod Laver Arena last night relating to the disruptive behaviour of an individual in the crowd," they said.

"Despite multiple warnings from staff, he refused to modify his behaviour and continued to disrupt those around him. Police were called to assist security speaking with the patron who disregarded advice to minimise his disruptive behaviour."

Victoria Police also weighed in, with a spokesperson explaining: "Overall, 21 people were evicted from the tennis precinct by police for a range of alcohol and or behavioural related incidents. There were no major incidents of note.

"So far, police have been extremely pleased with the crowd behaviour at this year's Australian Open and look forward to fans and spectators enjoying another exciting week."

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