Wimbledon 2023: Security plans ‘upstaged’ after protests in ashes

As a result of protests at other major sporting venues in the UK this year, the All England Club has stepped up its security plans for Wimbledon in coordination with London Police and other agencies ahead of the start of the Games next week.

Five minutes after the start of the second Ashes cricket Test between England and Australia in London, environmental activists rushed onto the ground and briefly disrupted play. When protesters attempted to sprinkle orange powder on the field, players from both teams intervened.

All England Club director of operations Michelle Dyte said on Thursday: “Based on what has happened at other sporting events and on the advice of our key partners, we have reviewed our security plans, which have now been extended to The Championships Is.”

“We have a plan in place to reduce risks, working in partnership with specialist agencies and the Metropolitan Police, and appropriate specialist teams will respond should an incident occur,” Dete said.

Earlier this month, protesters briefly blocked the England cricket team bus during a Test against Ireland in London. Activists have also targeted Premier League football matches, the Premiership rugby final at Twickenham and this year’s World Snooker Championships in Sheffield.

Wimbledon, the third Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year, starts on Monday.

“The safety of all our players, colleagues and visitors is paramount,” Dete said.

“Throughout the year, we work closely with the Metropolitan Police and other relevant organizations to ensure that the Championships are as safe as possible and that our plans and measures are commensurate with the threat level and the risks present.”