Environmental activist group Just Stop Oil keeps finding its way to disrupt important public events and while people stand for their cause, despise their methods of expression. Former World No.1, Andy Murray has expressed his concerns about them showing up to the prestigious All England Club in London to create a scene.
Just Stop Oil is a UK-based activism group that utilizes problematic methods such as civil resistance and vandalism to make their point. They aim at environmental protection and climate change activism, currently attempting to make the British government stop the licensing and production of new fossil fuel.
The British Tennis icon has always expressed his opinions on social and political issues, which led him to speak about agreeing with the cause of Just Stop Oil but disagreeing with their methods. With their most recent online and offline activities, Murray warns the group and reminds them that tennis players, ‘obviously have got rackets in their hands’.
Andy Murray worries Just Stop Oil protesters may disrupt Wimbledon
Just last week, criticism spread as the members of this group disrupted the London Pride march as the organizers did not meet their demands and the
With the Wimbledon commenced, the activist organization has retweeted a post on the sponsors of the tournament being the biggest funders of fossil fuels in Europe. This post claims that the sponsor’s intention is to hide what they are actually doing to the environment and climate. A Just Stop Oil member also comments about how ‘very inspiring’ it would be to ‘an image of someone’s hand glued to something on Centre Court’.
Recently, a Just Stop Oil member said it would be ‘very inspiring’ to get ‘an image of someone’s hand glued to something on Centre Court’
Andy Murray:
“I think there’s a good chance of something happening (on court). I agree with the cause – not how they go about expressing it” pic.twitter.com/JNTecLJWQl
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 3, 2023
After such instances, Murray is reasonably concerned about the safety of the players and audience at the Wimbledon 2023. He warns the members that an invasion could also leave them hurt cause tennis players will have their rackets and fire reflexes ready at the major title tournament.
Wimbledon guests face long queues due to Just Stop Oil protesters
In addition to the frenzied behavior, speculations claim that the members of Just Stop Oil are behind causing longer queues. Tennis fans have even complained about having missed matches because of these protestors. However, there has also been criticism for these speculations as the lines have always been long in Wimbledon, given how popular the tournament is worldwide. The All England Club hosts the most reputable major title tournament, and so, the true culprits behind these long queues might not be on the activists at all.
Considering the extent of extravagance in their appearances and methods, just making the crowd wait might not be their thing. So, Andy’s concerns for the safety of the players, audience and the protestors themselves is thoughtful and might have just saved the day.
