SOCHI 2014: Dozens of Australian athletes’ family members have begun to arrive in Sochi to support their Olympians. Many of them are sporting the green and gold and some have even brought the team mascot – the Boxing Kangaroo.

But with all the rules and regulations surrounding the Games, one passionate supporter ran into some trouble at the Moguls competition on Thursday night. 

Shane Morris, father of aerialist Dave Morris, was asked by a Sochi 2014 volunteer to remove his Boxing Kangaroo Flag, as the Russian believed it was advertising and therefore on a list of items banned from the venue. However the volunteer never followed up on his request.

“It’s a rebel kangaroo,” Dave Morris told the media at a conference on Friday morning Sochi time.

Australian Chef de Mission Ian Chesterman defended the Aussie icon, which is proudly flying in the Olympic Village, saying it’s been officially approved by the International Olympic Committee.

“The Boxing Kangaroo has been a superstar at the Olympic Games over the years. It’s definitely been a symbol of our team,” Chesterman said.

“It’s one official that’s said something [to the Morris family] and hasn’t carried through with it anyway. I think we should all enjoy the moment and I’m glad BK’s back in the news.”