Boris Johnson has praised Australia's government for its tough stance on Covid vaccination after tennis star Novak Djokovic was refused entry to the country to play in the Australian Open.
Mr Johnson said he shared the view of the "friendly" Australians, who have told Djokovic that he must return to Europe, that it is "a very good idea to get vaccinated".
On Thursday, Downing Street refused to comment on Djokovic's specific case but said sports players should be vaccinated like people in any other profession.
The tennis player had travelled to Australia on the understanding he had a medical exemption to the vaccine rules because he had been infected with Covid in the last six months. However, officials later said the exemption did not apply.
Djokovic is now staying in an immigration detention centre in Melbourne, awaiting the outcome of a legal appeal against the cancellation of his visa.
His fans have gathered outside the hotel and argue he should be allowed to play. Scott Morrison, the Australian prime minister, has blamed the situation on an administrative mix-up in the state of Victoria.
Asked about the controversy, Mr Johnson said on Thursday: "It's a matter for Australia and their friendly government. That's a matter for them, but clearly I share very strongly their view of the Australian authorities that it's a very good idea to get vaccinated."
His response came as Downing Street called for professional sportsmen to get vaccinated. The Prime Minister's official spokesman declined to comment on specific cases but reissued the call for everyone to get Covid jabs.
The spokesman said: "We absolutely think that everyone should get vaccinated and get boosted, regardless of profession."
Pushed further on the developments in Djokovic's case, he declined to comment directly on the incident but noted that UK government scientists had addressed concerns voiced by professional sportsmen.
Dijana Djokovic, the tennis star's mother, said her son had been subject to a "political attack", adding: "He is a scapegoat."