Wimbledon add powder paint to list of banned substances following disruptive eco-yob protests seen at the Ashes
WIMBLEDON has added powder paint to its list of banned substances to stop eco yob protests such as those seen at the Ashes this week.
Security staff at the tennis tournament will search spectators arriving and confiscate any such substances.
Padlocks, glue and cable ties are also prohibited to stop activists from locking themselves on to nets.
But bosses will tell stars not to risk injury by copying cricketer Jonny Bairstow, who carted off protester Knorr at Lord’s.
The Sun previously revealed that the unpopular group plan to glue themselves to the grass on Centre Court.
One activist told an undercover Sun reporter: "An image of someone's hand glued to something on Centre Court would be amazing.
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“That would be very inspiring.
“There's a lot of people up for that."
Security is set to be beefed up at this year’s tournament in response to the new threat.
Michelle Dite, Operations Director at the All England Club, said: “Based on what has happened at other sporting events, and on the advice from our key partners, we have reviewed our security plans which have now been uplifted for The Championships accordingly.
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“Our Conditions of Entry, which were updated in April 2023, include guidance on prohibited items and disruptive behaviour, any breaches of these conditions will be dealt with in accordance with our code of conduct.
“We have plans in place to mitigate the risks working in partnership with specialist agencies and the Metropolitan Police and should an incident occur the appropriate specialist teams will respond.”
Quizzed in April about possible Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion protests at Wimbledon 2023, chief executive Sally Bolton said: “There have been some incidents recently that will inform the planning we will undertake.
“The picture is still emerging and our plans are evolving as time goes on.
“What I would urge anyone attending the Championships to do is to be considerate of those who are also attending the Championships.
“Our grounds conditions that apply to everyone are very much about the safety and security of everyone attending, but more importantly the enjoyment of everyone attending.”
Security expert Paul Foster told The Sun that the tournament will “be ready” for the protesters who will attempt to run onto the court during matches.