Murray sends message to Just Stop Oil protestors intent on targeting Wimbledon

02 July 2023 , 21:30

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Andy Murray says he supports the Just Stop Oil cause but hopes they could find different ways to protest

Andy Murray has urged eco-warriors to not disrupt Wimbledon and find alternative ways to protest because he supports their cause.

The All England Club is braced for The Championships to be the latest big summer sporting event to be targeted by Just Stop Oil campaigners.

The Lord's Test, the Grand National and the World Snooker Championships have all been hit in recent weeks with orange paint powder thrown as part of a campaign to oppose fossil fuel projects.

Wimbledon have stepped up security and bag searches - and have even tested the system by placing packets of red lentils in bags entering the site.

But father-of-four Murray said: “I would imagine probably something would happen here. I agree with the cause - just not always how they go about expressing it.

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"Rather than running on the court, maybe they could do it a different way. I didn’t see what Johnny Bairstow did, but it could be dangerous. I don’t know if they would attach themselves to the net or throw something onto the court - they have to be a bit careful going too near to tennis players who have obviously got rackets in their hands!”

Andy Murray is gearing up for another appearance at Wimbledon (AP)

The Government has fast-tracked through changes to the Public Order Act 2023 which will see 12-month prison sentences for protesters who block roads and a six-month prison sentence or unlimited fine for anyone who locks themselves to objects or buildings.

Wimbledon have advised players not to “do a Bairstow” after the England wicketkeeper carried a protestor over the boundary at Lords last week.

Two-time Wimbledon champion Murray added: “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.

“I was talking about it with my family the other day. I don’t know, if somebody ran onto the court and came towards you, what your reaction would be to that because you don’t know who it is or what they are doing or why they are doing it.”

Neil McLeman