R&A release statement after Just Stop Oil's latest antics at The Open

JSO have launched similar stunts at The Ashes, Wimbledon and World Snooker Championships so far this summer as they look to spread their message far and wide.

Individuals present were seen with orange paint, with fans applauding as police took them away.

​And the R&A have now released a statement confirming arrests were made, while also thanking everybody for their 'vigilance' over the matter.

“A protester was quickly apprehended on the 17th hole and is one of four people who have been arrested by police," they said.

“Play was not disrupted and we would like to thank the marshals, players and other spectators for their vigilance and understanding as the protesters were removed.”

Just Stop Oil are relentless these days.

At Wimbledon, they threw orange confetti onto the court during a match between Katie Boulter and Daria Saville.

The individual in question was then quickly tackled and dragged away by security.

At The Ashes, similar scenes unfolded.

Another protestor decided to let off orange paint and England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow then took matters into his own hands after deciding enough was enough.

Bairstow confronted the man and carried him off the field, with many quipping it was the best catch of the series so far.

And, in the snooker, protestors vandalised the tables before the authorities were again forced to intervene.

Prior to the chaos at The Open, R&A chief Martin Slumbers had played down the possibility of JSO targeting the competition.

"We have had no direct intelligence," he said when asked if he'd received any word of possible protests.

"There was direct intelligence last year and most people in this room don't know The Open was targeted last year.

"We had a very credible threat which was reported to us that certain players in the field were going to be targeted by environmental activists.

"We have significant security procedures in place, we work with law enforcement agencies and we will wait and see what happens.

"We have advised the players please don't get involved and I stand by that.

"Beyond that I think security matters I need to keep confidential."

JSO activists also recently filmed themselves spray painting a government department building.

Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Grant Shapps, responded by saying: "It is illegal criminal damage and I will leave that to the authorities."

Shapps also called on Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to pay the costs to repair the damage due to the 60-year-old's refusal to criticise the group.