Louis McKechnie, the Just Stop Oil protestor who tied himself to a goalpost during a Premier League match, has said he fears he can never go to Liverpool or Newcastle after receiving "hundreds" of death threats.
McKechnie, 21, was charged with pitch encroachment and aggravated trespass after the incident at Goodison Park during the game between Everton and Newcastle United last month.
He stormed onto the pitch halfway through the game and tied himself by the neck to a goal post with a zip tie, which took staff seven minutes to cut through.
Following the incident, he said he has received “hundreds” of death threats and worries he will face backlash from locals when he returns to Liverpool for court.
Louis McKechnie
Insulate Britain
Speaking during a press conference for Just Stop Oil in London, the mechanical engineering student said: “They (fans) were chanting, screaming at me, hoping that it worked – hoping that my air was cut off long enough to really feel it.
“I hated the idea of ruining these people’s favourite pastime, but these people have a right to know what is coming, that their lives are on the line too so they can act accordingly.
“Since doing this action I’ve received hundreds of death threats. I don’t think I can ever return to Liverpool or Newcastle again. I have court there in a few weeks and I expect I will be in quite a lot of trouble with the locals.
“But I will go there and be responsible for my actions. Whatever repercussions I face, I will face with my head up high.”
Campaigners have said they will “continue to put their bodies on the line” for the cause.
It came as protests entered a fifth day, blocking access to oil terminals in locations such as Essex, Warwickshire and near Heathrow Airport, demanding that the Government stops new oil and gas projects.
More than 275 protesters, including members of affiliated group Extinction Rebellion, were arrested in the first four days of action, police said.
Tactics have seen protesters glue themselves to roads and dig disruptive tunnels near oil terminals, and invade football pitches.
On Monday, a stark report by the UN called for “substantial reductions” in the use of fossil fuels to curb climate change.
The Government will set out a new energy strategy on Thursday, with expectations of support for offshore wind and new nuclear reactors, but not cheap onshore wind, amid clashes over whether to speed up the shift away from oil and gas or boost domestic fossil fuel supplies.
McKechnie tied himself to the post at Goodison Park
Reuters/Lee Smith
Louis McKechnie ties himself to the goal frame during the Premier League match at Goodison Park, Liverpool. Picture date: Thursday March 17, 2022
Richard Sellers
