Extinction Rebellion mocked on Twitter after bungled Tube protests spark backlash
EXTINCTION Rebellion has been mocked on Twitter today after eco-warriors were confronted by angry London commuters while trying to block Tube and DLR trains.
Frustrated workers dragged activists standing on top of Tube carriages in Canning Town, East London, this morning.
In nearby Shadwell, protesters were grilled by furious commuters, who branded one campaigner a "f***ing idiot" for blocking an electric train.
Now, hundreds of posts and dozens of memes have appeared online taking a swipe at the protests.
London alternative rock band Shame tweeted: “Watching extinction rebellion bottle public support for the single greatest issue to ever face humanity.”
Australian lawyer and writer, Helen Dale, posted a hilarious clip of a goalkeeper scoring an own goal in a football match and added: “Extinction Rebellion right now.”
And in another dig, one punter posted a snap of Homer Simpson and tweeted: “Found the brains behind Extinction Rebellion.”
Another tweeted a picture of Pokemon character Pikachu with a shocked expression and the message: “Be a member of Extinction Rebellion.
“Presume that you wouldn't get dragged kicking and screaming as you try to prevent people from going to work to feed their families.”
Some activists themselves on to the roof of an automated DLR train at Shadwell - sparking outrage from commuters during rush hour.
One passenger posted footage of the Extinction Rebellion activists holding hands as a crowd of furious commuters were forced to gather on the platform.
He admitted he had to get a "fuel guzzling black cab" to work, which "went towards their 'cause'."
The man can be heard in the video saying: "Gluing themselves to an electric train...electricity - no cars, no diesel, nothing - electricity.
"They're helping the cause? Sure. Look at that train over there - people are stuck on there, they can't get off. Muppets, mate."
'MUPPETS'
His video has since been viewed more than 40,000 times since he posted it with the caption: "#ExtintionRebellion glueing themselves to an electric train. Safe to say the fuel guzzling black cab I had to take to work went towards their 'cause'.
"Safe to say they didn’t say much to my 'why an electric train' comment. #DLR #shadwell".
One of the protesters arrested at Shadwell was today unmasked as 77-year-old Reverend Sue Parfitt.
Archbishop Justin Welby told LBC: "Well, I support her convictions... I certainly wouldn’t have glued myself to a train though!”
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XR spokesman Howard Rees, 39, said: "Was it the right thing to do? I am not sure.
"I think we will have to have a period of reflection. It is too early to say. I think we need to take stock of it."
British Transport Police confirmed eight people had been arrested at Stratford, Canning Town, and Shadwell on suspicion of obstructing the railway.
