Martina Navratilova said Australian Open organisers were cowardly to prevent fans from wearing shirts bearing messages of support for Chinese doubles player Peng Shuai at the grand slam.

After video emerged of security officials and police instructing fans on Saturday to remove shirts with the slogan, “Where is Peng Shuai?” on them, Tennis Australia (TA) defended its stance by saying the tournament does not allow political statements.

TA’s position dismayed 18-time grand slam winner Navratilova, who said the national governing body was giving in to China and placing sponsorship money ahead of human rights concerns.

“I find it really, really cowardly,” she said on the US-based Tennis Channel. “I think they are wrong on this. This is not a political statement, this is a human rights statement.

“(Tennis Australia is) just really capitulating on this issue ... letting the Chinese really dictate what they do at their own slam. I just find it really weak.”

Tennis Australia reiterated its stance on Monday, adding that Peng’s safety remained its “primary concern”.

“We continue to work with the WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) and the global tennis community to do everything we can to ensure (Peng’s) well-being. Our work is ongoing and through the appropriate channels,” a spokesperson said.

Peng’s situation became a matter of concern in November when she alleged that a former Chinese vice premier, Zhang Gaoli, had sexually assaulted her in the past.