Pepper spray angers Greek tennis fans

MELBOURNE, Jan. 16 (UPI) -- Some Greek tennis fans are demanding an apology from Melbourne police for using pepper spray on an unruly crowd at the Australian Open this week.

A group known as the Hellas Fan Club said the police action was "disgraceful and un-Australian," The Age, a Melbourne newspaper, reported. The club said it was considering legal action.

Police said the use of capsicum (pepper) spray was necessary to control drunk and aggressive fans at a Tuesday match between Konstantinos Economidis, a Greek player, and Fernando Gonzalez" class="tpstyle">Chilean Fernando Gonzalez.

Senior Constable Steve Old warned a group of Greek fans to behave or face eviction. Old then called in more officers, who allegedly were attacked by some fans, The Age said

Police said the spray was used on about 10 spectators. All were evicted and three were arrested.

Police Superintendent John Cooke said he "absolutely" supported use of the pepper spray.

Gonzalez won the match in straight sets.