A spectator invaded the field during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 final between India and Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
The spectator was wearing a t-shirt saying ‘Stop Bombing Palestine’ as well as a bunch of coloured scarfs. The invader reportedly tried to hug India batter Virat Kohli after making his way into the field of play. Kohli, too, looked unhappy with the invader as security immediately came into action and got hold of him.
A spectator wearing a t-shirt saying ‘Stop Bombing Palestine’ runs on to the pitch as India’s Virat Kohli looks on during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup final match between Australia and India in Ahmedabad, India, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)
Security people apprehend a free Palestine protestor who invaded the pitch and put his arm on the shoulder of India’s Virat Kohli during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup final match between Australia and India in Ahmedabad, India, Sunday, Nov.19, 2023. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)
A Free Palestine protestor invades the pitch and puts his arm on the shoulder of India’s Virat Kohli during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup final match between Australia and India in Ahmedabad, India, Sunday, Nov.19, 2023. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.)
Security people apprehend a free Palestine protestor who invaded the pitch and put his arm on the shoulder of India’s Virat Kohli during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup final match between Australia and India in Ahmedabad, India, Sunday, Nov.19, 2023. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)
A spectator wearing a t-shirt saying ‘Free Palestine’ runs on to the pitch as India’s Virat Kohli looks on during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup final match between Australia and India in Ahmedabad, India, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
A Free Palestine protestor who invaded the pitch and put his arm on the shoulder of India’s Virat Kohli is apprehended during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup final match between Australia and India in Ahmedabad, India, Sunday, Nov.19, 2023. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)
A spectator wearing a t-shirt saying ‘Stop Bombing Palestine’ runs on to the pitch as India’s Virat Kohli looks on during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup final match between Australia and India in Ahmedabad, India, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)
A Free Palestine protestor who invaded the pitch and put his arm on the shoulder of India’s Virat Kohli is apprehended during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup final match between Australia and India in Ahmedabad, India, Sunday, Nov.19, 2023. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.)
A Free Palestine protestor invades the pitch and puts his arm on the shoulder of India’s Virat Kohli during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup final match between Australia and India in Ahmedabad, India, Sunday, Nov.19, 2023. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.)
A Free Palestine protestor invades the pitch and puts his arm on the shoulder of India’s Virat Kohli during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup final match between Australia and India in Ahmedabad, India, Sunday, Nov.19, 2023. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.)
The invader was arrested and taken to the Chand Kheda Police station. While in custody, he spoke to the media, stating that his primary motive was to meet Kohli and expressing his support for Palestine.
#WATCH | Gujarat: The man who breached the security & entered the field during the India vs Australia Final match, says, “My name is John…I am from Australia. I entered (the field) to meet Virat Kohli. I support Palestine…” pic.twitter.com/5vrhkuJRnw— ANI (@ANI) November 19, 2023
Political sloganeering is an offence at cricket games but with Johnson being a foreign national, it is not yet known what kind of action will be taken against him.
The ICC doesn’t allow any political sloganeering during its event and any such act is also not allowed in India.
India, yet to lose in this tournament, is bidding for a third World Cup title and Australia a record-extending sixth crown.
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com, covers badminton and cricket but football remains his forte. Follow him at @ritayanbasu...Read More
