Gary Lineker has given his backing to Wimbledon’s Just Stop Oil protesters, claiming activists are “not going to hurt anyone”.
The BBC Match of the Day host was commenting on the eco-zealots after two men and a woman were arrested on Wednesday for throwing orange confetti and jigsaw puzzle pieces on the hallowed SW19 turf during two separate matches.
Lineker, 62, also conceded he could see why spectators were left feeling frustrated.
Speaking after chairing an environmental panel at Wimbledon, Lineker said: “I completely understand where they’re coming from.
Gary Lineker
PA“Disruptive protest is the only one that gets any publicity.
“I get it. I also understand why people get so upset with it, particularly in sport. It is a difficult one.
“I think what is more important is probably our existence in the future rather than slight disruption of sporting events or other things.
“You don’t want things to be disrupted but at the same time they will really be disrupted with climate change.”
A Just Stop Oil protester is carried off court 18 after throwing confettiPAJust Stop Oil protesters halted play at Wimbledon twice on Wednesday.
Grigor Dimitrov clash with Sho Shimabukuro was put on hold.
Katie Boulter's match against Daria Saville was also disrupted.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman condemned the trio on social media.
Gary Lineker
PAShe said: “These unacceptable protests at Wimbledon were intended to ruin the day for the paying public.”
Braverman yesterday chaired talks with sporting, police and Government officials in an attempt to address disruption going forward.
The Home Secretary added: "The protesters at Wimbledon were determined to ruin the day's play for spectators and sports fans across the world.
"This is unacceptable. We will be uncompromisingly tough on the selfish protesters intent on spoiling our world-class sporting occasions this summer.
"Sports, police and Government are united against preventing further disruption of this kind."
