The organisers of the ongoing Wimbledon Championships have advised players participating in the Grand Slam tennis tournament "not to do a Bairstow" and take it upon themselves to stop the protesters. Their advise comes as the threat of 'Just Stop Oil' protests looms over the sporting event days after the group had made its presence felt at the Ashes Test in which England cricketer Jonny Bairstow lifted and carried one off the protesters off the ground.
The Ashes series was not the only major sporting event in the United Kingdom where these protests had taken place with the other important events being the Grand National, the World Snooker Championship as well as the Premiership rugby final. Following the protests at this event, the organisers are on high alert anticipating any attempts from the group to play spoilsport.
The All England Club reportedly wants tennis stars to keep their distance from any such protesters. They want the increased security deal with any potential protests that might happen in the tournament.
"The safety and security of all our players, colleagues and visitors is paramount,” the All England Club operations director Michelle Dite said.
"Based on what has happened at other sporting events, and on the advice from our key partners, we have reviewed our security plans which have now been uplifted for The Championships accordingly," he added.
In addition, the new conditions of entry to the event has barred bans from bringing any items to the tennis court such as glue or spray paint. These items, it said, could be used to “sabotage or damage” property.
"Actually at Queen's they were talking about that. One of the security guards said there was a good chance that one day they would come on and just to be ready for it," British number 1 Cam Norrie was quoted as saying.
"Obviously it could happen. Hopefully it happens at the best moment possible for me to break the rhythm [laughs]. It is what it is. I will have to deal with it. It has been happening more and more," he added.