Fans ejected over bizarre fight to grab headband of Aryna Sabalenka after clash with Katie Boulter

It was supposed to be a simple gesture of gratitude. It ended with two female tennis fans being booted out after a bizarre scrap for the sweaty headband of Belarussian star Aryna Sabalenka.

Two female tennis fans have been booted after a bizarre scrap for the sweaty headband of Belarussian star Aryna Sabalenka.

The 11th seed powered past British star Katie Boulter to progress to the third round, and noticing a couple of fans in the front row she tossed her headband up into the stands as a kind gesture.

This is the greatest thing I’ve seen at the #AusOpen⁠ ⁠!

Two old ladies fighting over Aryna Sabalenka’s headband, which she threw into the crowd! 😂

Security came and escorted both women from the stadium. They also took the headband away as neither of the ladies would let go. pic.twitter.com/tv0I2mdaTt

— Jedd Zetzer (@JeddZetzer) January 16, 2019

But it only caused a world of trouble, as the two punters each claimed a section of the fabric – and refused to let go.

The standoff lasted so long without any let up from either fan that security had to intervene.

And in the end… no one got the headband!

Originally published as Fans ejected over bizarre fight to grab headband of Aryna Sabalenka after clash with Katie Boulter