Hong Kong - A local pro-Tibetan protester was thrown out of the Olympics equestrian events soon after the start of the competition Saturday after she unfurled a Tibetan flag.

University student Christina Chan was ejected by police and security officers for breaking rules at the two equestrian venues that ban the display of the Tibetan flag, political slogans and commercial advertising.

Chan was seated in the front row at the start of the dressage competition that began around 6:30 am in the Sha Tin district of Hong Kong.

She initially displayed a sign showing the Canadian flag but police and security personnel swooped when she unveiled a Tibetan flag.

Chan was bundled away after she refused to leave.

"She was sort of disturbing other spectators around her, which is against the house rules," said equestrian event spokesman Mark Pinkstone.

In a separate incident, a man was asked to remove his shirt before entering the Sha Tin venue because it was bearing the slogans "democracy" and "human rights".

In May, Chan was taken into 'protective custody' by police during a pro-Tibetan demonstration during the Hong Kong leg of the Olympic torch relay. Police said she was put into a police van for her own safety after a clash with pro-China supporters. She was later released without charge. (dpa)