Just Stop Oil protesters storm Wimbledon AGAIN as eco-warriors' latest stunts spark fury
Play interrupted by protesters
BBC
Just Stop Oil protesters have wreaked havoc on Court 18 of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships for the second time today.
Protesters threw orange confetti and jigsaw pieces over the hallowed turf during two separate matches at the coveted tennis tournament.
Crowds cheered as officials removed protesters from the court.
The protest suspended Grigor Dimitrov's clash with Sho Shimabukuro and Katie Boulter's match against Daria Saville.
The players left Court 18 to make way for officials using leaf blowers and ball boys and ball girls picking up the confetti and jigsaw pieces.
Protesters have been arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass and criminal damage, the tournament has confirmed.
Just Stop Oil tweeted: “Once more, orange clouds hang over a British sporting event this summer—this time it’s ticker tape rather than paint dust, but it is an intrusion and will need sorting out.”
Just Stop Oil added: "Today’s action comes as the Met Office confirmed on Monday that this June has been the hottest on record, with the average monthly temperature of 15.8°C exceeding the previous record set in 1976 by 0.9°C.
"The Wimbledon Championships are currently under fire after signing a sponsorship deal with Barclays, who have given £30billion to oil and gas companies, including Exxonmobil, Shell and Total Energies in the last two years."
One of the protesters sat down on the court until they were removed
Twitter/Olivia Christie
Spectators have become used to interruptions in play at this year's Wimbledon, with drizzle intervening on several occasions.
Sports fans have also become accustomed to seeing disruption from Just Stop Oil in recent months.
Three protesters stormed the Lord's cricket ground during the Ashes second test last week, as Jonny Bairstow helped clear the field.
Two men stormed the pitch at Twickenham Stadium in south-west London when Saracens defeated Sale Sharks in the Premiership Rugby final in May.
Just Stop Oil activists also disrupted the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield in April.
JUST STOPPING SPORT:
England's Jonny Bairstow carries a just stop oil protester off the fieldPAIt comes as event organisers and national sporting bodies met with Home Secretary Suella Braverman and Sports Secretary Lucy Frazer today to discuss potential disruption from groups such as Just Stop Oil.
Wimbledon has been on high alert for disruption, with heightened security and thorough bag searches.
Fans and organisers have complained of slow queues due to these increased security checks.
The disruption comes less than 24 hours since Princess Kate watched Katie Boulter on the same court.
Just Stop Oil also targeted Harrods department store today.
Seven people were arrested while trying to block London Pride's parade in the centre of the capital on Saturday.
Scotland Yard said London Pride's parade was delayed for around 17 minutes as officers dealt with protesters at Piccadilly's junction with Down Street.
LGBT+ members of Just Stop Oil called on London Pride organisers to condemn new oil, gas and coal licences before the parade started.