A men’s match on Cout 18 at Wimbledon had to be suspended after two protesters managed to get onto the court.
Two individuals from the Just Stop Oil group climbed over the barrier to get onto the court with one of them staging a sitting protest in the middle. Meanwhile, in the corner, they were what appeared to be orange confetti on the ground in front of shocked onlookers. The brief incident unfolded during Grigor Dimitrov’s first round clash against Sho Shimaukuro.
The stunt is the latest in a series of high-profile incidents that have been staged by the Just Stop Oil group at sporting events. They have also previously disrupted a cricket match during the Ashe’s and the World Snooker Championships. They are campaigning for the UK government to stop licensing all new oil, gas and coal projects.
Officials at The All England Club have voiced concerns that such a protest would occur at Wimbledon this year despite the tightening of their security measures. There has been an uplift in security at the gates and more detailed bag searches. Random body searches are also being conducted with the help of intelligence from relevant authorities.
“Every year we work with the Met Police and other agencies to review our security arrangements in line with the relevant threat picture,” Wimbledon CEO Sally Bolton told reporters on Monday.
“We appeal to those attending the championships to respect the fact that others want to view the tennis enjoyably, quietly, and in a safe environment.”
Bolton recently defended the environmental record of her tournament in the hope that it would deter such actions from happening. Although the AELTC has been under pressure after an open letter was sent to them expressing concern about their partnership with Barclays who are accused of profiting from the ‘environmental crises.’
“We are very conscious about being environmentally positive. It shapes a lot of things we do here (at Wimbledon),” she said. “Whether that’s nothing going to landfill, only using renewable electricity, looking to the future and removing all gas from the estate. We are committed to that agenda.”
In a statement issued on the Just Stop Oil Twitter account, they referred to Wimbledon’s Barclay’s partnership following the incident as motivation for their actions. They claim the company has given over £30bn to oil and gas companies.
“Once more, orange clouds hang over a British sporting event this summer,” the group wrote.
“This time it’s thicker tape than paint dust, but it is an intrusion and will need sorting out.’
“Today’s action comes as the Met Office confirmed on Monday that June has been the hottest on record.”
Those protesters who got onto the court are trespassing, according to law. Therefore they can be subjected to criminal prosecution should Wimbledon decides to do so.
UPDATE
Since the publication of this article, Wimbledon has issued the following statement:-
“Following an incident on Court 18, two individuals have been arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass and criminal damage and these individuals have now been removed from the Grounds. Play on the court was temporarily paused and, following a suspension in play due to a rain delay, play is about to resume.”
