Italian centre-left politicians on Tuesday condemned the Australian Open organisers' decision to grant Serb great Novak Djokovic an exemption to play there later this month despite his having consistently refused to disclose if he has had the COVID jab.
Lazio Governor Nicola Zingaretti, former leader of the centre-left Democratic Party (PD), called the decision "disgusting" and said it was "an awful example and a slap in the face for those who are fighting against COVID".
Lazio regional health pointman and PD member Alessio D'Amato said the Serbian, who is aiming to notch a record 21st Grand Slam title by winning his fourth Aussie Open, was a "terrible example" to those considering whether to vaccinate or not and argued that "he has used his fame and wealth to get a pseudo-exemption".
The PD's sports chief, Marco Berruto, tweeted that Djokovic's exemption was "a major scandal which sets a precedent with unheard of dangers, deserving only of the disgust of all sporting people who believe the rules should be respected".
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