Police have warned Premier League clubs of the potential for Just Stop Oil protests at matches during the first weeks of the season.
The Premier League campaign kicks off on Friday night, as newly promoted Burnley host Manchester City at Turf Moor.
Six matches will then be played on Saturday, including Chelsea against Liverpool, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, while the other three matches will be played on Sunday and Monday.
Clubs have been told of the possibility of Just Stop Oil disrupting matches – although at this stage the chances of a protest occurring were described as “unlikely”.
The environmental activist group has halted several high-profile events in recent months, including Wimbledon, the World Snooker Championships and the second test of the Ashes Series at Lord’s.
Their goal is to demand that the British government stop licensing new oil, gas and coal projects, as well as increase investment in renewable energy and improve building insulation.
Now, Premier League clubs have been told where Just Stop Oil can disrupt matches.
English Premier League clubs send a warning to the police to stop the oil only
According to the daily MailHowever, police chiefs identified the stadium’s turnstiles as possible areas that Just Stop Oil could target in the event of a protest.
The report claims that local forces are putting together “action plans” in preparation for potential protests across the country, and will focus on ballpark runners and those trying to attach themselves to things.
In March 2022, a protester tied himself to a goalpost using cable ties during Everton’s home match against Newcastle.
During a World Snooker Championship match between Robert Milkins and Joe Perry in April, a protester tried to stick himself into one of the pockets of the table, but was prevented from doing so by referee Olivier Martel.
Meanwhile, during the 2022 British Grand Prix at Silverstone, six protesters ran into Wellington Street after Zhou Guanyu’s horrific red-flagged first lap crash. They were dragged away from the ring by marshals and stewards.
Leave a Reply