Australians under pressure to take down ‘boxing kangaroo’ flag from village

Aussies under pressure to remove kangaroo flag

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Australian Olympic officials say they will take down a giant “boxing kangaroo” flag from the Vancouver athletes’ village if they receive an official request from the IOC.

The green and gold flag, which depicts a red-gloved kangaroo, has been hanging from a balcony in the village since Sunday.

Australian Olympic Committee says a village official asked that the flag be removed because it is too commercial and a registered trademark.

AOC spokesman Mike Tancred said Friday the Australians will oblige if they get a written request from the International Olympic Committee.

He says, “If they want us to take it down, we’ll take it down.”

The IOC says it is looking into the issue and hopes to have a decision “within the next few days.”