Just Stop Oil protestors strike at Wimbledon as they get on Court 18

Wimbledon became the latest high-profile sporting event to be disrupted by eco-zealots on Wednesday when Just Stop Oil protestors invaded Court 18.

Just a week after three were arrested at Lord’s early on day one of the second Ashes Test – including one man who was carried off the pitch by England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow – they struck again at SW19.

It was reported last month that protestors were ‘hatching a plot’ to disrupt the world famous tennis tournament. 

The Sun reported that members of the group wanted to glue themselves to Centre Court or even target the umpire’s chair or the grass.

A source told the newspaper: ‘An image of someone’s hand glued to something on Centre Court would be amazing.

‘That would be very inspiring. There’s a lot of people up for that.’ 

Wimbledon had increased their security going into this year’s championship. As part of that, bag checks upon entry to the grounds are even more stringent and spray paint, sprays for personal protection and glue are banned.

Andy Murray admitted last week he thought there was a ‘good chance’ of protestors causing chaos at Wimbledon.

The Brit said: ‘I think there is probably a good chance of something happening.

‘I am not sure how many times I have had somebody run on the court when I am actually playing. It may have been once but I am not sure it has been more than that.’

Just Stop Oil also threw orange powder across the table at the World Snooker Championships in Sheffield in April.

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