- Just Stop Oil protesters briefly disrupted the opening morning of the England v Australia Test at Lord’s on Wednesday
- The environmental protest group is calling for the government to stop all new coal, gas and oil projects
Three Just Stop Oil protesters briefly disrupted the opening morning of the England v Australia Test at Lord’s on Wednesday.
The players were preparing for the second over of the day when the protesters emerged from the Grand Stand. One of the protesters was a 69-year-old woman and she didn’t make it to the field of play as security stopped her.
Protesters stormed the field and disrupted the game. Photo/ CNN.
However, the other two protesters entered the field carrying bags of orange powder paint and attempted to spread the powder on the field. As the players from both sides guarded the pitch, Jonny Bairstow moved quickly and intercepted one of the protesters.
Bairstow lifted the man off the ground before carrying him 60 yards to the boundary. For the other intruder, it took a combined effort from England’s captain Ben Stokes and Australia’s David Warner to usher him away. A steward then rugby-tackled him and he was carried off the pitch.
The intruder carried by Bairstow refused to cooperate and he was eventually lifted off the ground by two police officers before being carried away.
Speaking after the incident, The Metropolitan Police said three arrests had been made after the protests. Chief executive of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), Guy Lavender, condemned the protests.
“MCC condemn in the strongest possible terms today’s pitch incursion and the behaviour of the protesters involved. Their actions not only endanger themselves and those who work at the ground, but they have consistently shown complete disregard for the people who pay to attend events, not just here at Lord’s but around the country at other sporting venues.” The Guardian quotes Guy Lavender.
It’s not the first time that Just Stop Oil have targeted cricket this summer. Earlier this month, they delayed the arrival of the England team for the first day of the Test match against Ireland by walking slowly in front of their bus as it left their Kensington hotel.
This is the second time the protesters have targeted cricket this summer. Photo/ The Indian Express.
The group has also disrupted other games such as the World Snooker Championship and the rugby union Premiership final. At the World Snooker Championship in April, a protester managed to empty a bag of orange paint on to a snooker table.
Following today’s incident, a Just Stop Oil spokesperson said they can no longer distract themselves when food and culture is at risk.
“Cricket is an important part of our national heritage, but how can we enjoy England v Australia when much of the cricketing world is becoming unfit for humans to live in? We can no longer afford to distract ourselves when the sports we play, the food we eat, and the culture we cherish is at risk.” The Spokesperson is quoted by the Guardian.
Just Stop Oil is an environmental protest group calling for the government to stop all new coal, gas and oil projects.
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