Have-a-go-hero sports fans should tackle eco-yobs, minister says as Wimbledon blasted over court invasions | The Sun

WIMBLEDON has been slammed after eco-yobs invaded the court where Princess Kate sat the day before.

Policing minister Chris Philp said have-a-go-hero sports fans should tackle protesters after they stormed Court 18 on Wednesday disrupting two matches in less than three hours.

Hurling orange confetti and puzzle pieces onto the turf, the idiots had to be dragged away by security before being led away from the ground by cops.

The first attempt saw two people trying to ruin the event around 2pm, before a Just Stop Oil member rushed out around 4.30pm.

Mr Philp said it is "reasonable" for fans to attempt to "protect the event they're watching".

He told Times Radio: "We'd like to see obviously those sporting organisations like Wimbledon increase the number of marshals and stewards.

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"They have to be more careful about checking people coming into sporting events and react really quickly when something happens."

He added that ministers "strongly encourage" the use of the courts to seek orders banning particular actions during sporting events.

"At the meeting yesterday we had with sporting leaders, we encouraged the use of injunctions because that allows for a much more severe criminal penalty if the injunction gets breached," he said.

Mr Philp backed spectators getting involved.

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"I think it's reasonable for people to try and protect the event they're watching. Obviously, nobody should do anything dangerous or hurt anyone," he said.

But he suggested they should not go so far as England cricketer Jonny Bairstow, who carried off an activist who targeted the Ashes.

"I think there are marshals and there are stewards, whose job it is to do that. And of course, the police are there as well," he said.

Organisers have since been slammed by tennis superfans who don't understand how the troublemakers were allowed in.

Despite some spectators queuing for days, many said the security checks were "quite quick" and that they weren't surprised the idiots walked in unnoticed.

One supporter told The Express: "We started queueing at 8.15am and we finally got into the grounds at 1.40pm.

"Then to hear that they still had a protestor… The security checks weren't too bad.

"Perhaps that's where the problem is."

With many finding the demonstrations "disappointing", Home Secretary Suella Braverman tweeted: "These unacceptable protests at Wimbledon were intended to ruin the day for the paying public.

"Today I chaired talks @10DowningStreet with sporting, police & government teams to help tackle serious disruption of this kind."

Sho Shimabukuro and Grigor Dimitrov were locked in a tense battle when the idiots disrupted it.

The yobs poured the mess on the court before a man sat cross-legged in front of the net, and a woman continued walking aimlessly around the court.

Their idiotic actions saw play quickly suspended, with the men's singles match called off not long after 2pm.

Cops were seen racing onto the turf and the protesters were quickly dragged off, with crowds heard loudly booing them.

One spectator on the Hill at SW19 said: “What have you got to say for yourself? Do you feel good about yourself?”

Another yelled “waster” as the pair were frogmarched out of Wimbledon and into the back of a police van.

Staff then quickly arrived with leaf blowers and wireless vacuums to clean up the mess.

The tournament confirmed two people had been arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass and criminal damage.

It came just one day after Princess Kate watched a match on the same court.

She was spotted sharing a joke with tennis legend Roger Federer as she enjoyed the day in the Royal Box.

The Princess of Wales looked chic in a green and white ensemble as she took to the stands.

She had to flee the rain when supporting young British star Katie Boulter on nearby Court 18.

Kate had made a rare royal appearance at one of the smaller courts for Boulter's encounter – but headed to Centre Court for Murray's match and a reunion with Federer.

We are disappointed that three individuals sought to disrupt the enjoyment of others

A Wimbledon spokesperson said they are disappointed with the events that took place.

They said: "We believe that Wimbledon, along with other major sporting bodies and events, has a meaningful role to play in helping to protect the environment, today and for the future.

"Our ambition to have a positive impact on the environment is central to our day-to-day operations and is a core part of putting on a successful Championships. 

“We know that this is one of the defining challenges of our times and we are fully committed to playing our part.

"From using 100% renewable electricity across our Estate and offering low carbon options on our menus, to sending zero waste to landfill and promoting a culture of reuse, we’re working hard to achieve a positive environmental impact across all of our operations.

“We are disappointed that three individuals sought to disrupt the enjoyment of others today and we continue to work closely with our partners in the Metropolitan Police as we look into every aspect of today’s events.”

Wimbledon had already ramped up the number of police spotters in the crowds to pick out activists before they try to disrupt play.

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An increased number of covert Behaviour Detection Officers (BDOs) from the Met have been stationed on Centre Court and around the complex to foil plans.

Every person entering the All England Club will have their bag fully searched with some selected for body searches led by intelligence from the Met.

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