Wimbledon has urged players not to “try a Jonny Bairstow” if Just Stop Oil protestors attempt to spray orange paint over Centre Court – and instead rely on a beefed-up security presence at this year’s championships.
The All England Club fears it will be the next sporting event to be targeted by activists when the championships begin on Monday and is planning a robust response, including a greater security presence inside and outside the grounds and a rapid response unit on show courts.
It has also updated its conditions of entry, with spectators being warned they cannot bring any items that could be “used to sabotage or damage” All England Club property, including spray paint, personal protection sprays and glue.
The Grand National, the world snooker championships and the Ashes have been disrupted in recent months – although Bairstow minimised the potential damage by tackling a protestor and carrying him off the Lord’s pitch.
Last week a Just Stop Oil activist told an undercover reporter that Wimbledon was in their sights, and that they had discussed plans to glue themselves to the umpire’s chair, the net, or even the court.
“An image of someone’s hand glued to something on Centre Court would be amazing,” they were quoted as saying. “That would be very inspiring. There’s a lot of people up for that.”
Michelle Dite, operations director at the All England Club, urged all visitors to respect the safety and enjoyment of other guests who attend the championships.
“The safety and security of players, colleagues and visitors is paramount,” she 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.
“Our conditions of entry, which were updated in April 2023, include guidance on prohibited items and disruptive behaviour,” she added. “We have plans in place to mitigate the risks working in partnership with specialist agencies and the Metropolitan police and should an incident occur the appropriate specialist teams will respond.”
Dite also insisted that Wimbledon was aware of its environmental responsibilities. “We know this is one of the defining challenges of our times and we are fully committed to playing our part,” she said. “From using only renewable electricity 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 in all that we do.”
