French Open: Belgian David Goffin claims he was spat at by spectator, says tennis could fall into grip of ‘hooligans’
- Goffin said a fan spat chewing gum at him as he defeated French player Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard on a raucous Court 14
- Incident follows jeering of Novak Djokovic this week, and similar acts last year, though French players say the fans ‘add spice’
Belgium’s David Goffin claimed he was spat at by a French Open spectator and warned tennis is in danger of falling into the firm grip of “hooligans”.
Goffin said a fan spat chewing gum at him as he defeated French player Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-7 (4/7), 6-3 on a raucous Court 14 at Roland Garros.
When the Belgian left the arena, he cupped his ear to all four sides to counter the jeers.
“When you are insulted for three-and-a-half hours, you have to annoy the public a little,” Goffin told Belgian media.
“Clearly, it goes too far, it’s total disrespect. It’s becoming like football – soon there will be smoke bombs, hooligans and there will be fights in the stands.
“It’s ridiculous. Some are there more to make a scene than to set the mood.”
