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MAJOR DISRUPTION
On the other hand, sporting platforms have also been a stage for spectators to amplify causes and 2023 was no different in dividing viewers when activists disrupted major events from tennis Grand Slams to golf majors and cricket matches. Just Stop Oil protesters interrupted Wimbledon matches when they released orange ticker-tape onto the grasscourt surface while the group also stopped play by scattering orange powder at an Ashes test and the World Snooker Championship.
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Their controversial and disruptive tactics have been condemned by athletes and fans alike, but they also garnered sympathy from popular and outspoken soccer pundit Gary Lineker. "I completely understand where they're coming from, disruptive protest is the only one that gets any publicity. I get it," said Lineker, who presents BBC's 'Match of the Day' soccer highlights programme. "I also understand why people get so upset with it, particularly in sport. I think what is more important is probably our existence in the future rather than slight disruption of sporting events." U.S. Open tennis champion Coco Gauff, who has spoken out on various causes, also has no qualms about such protests even though climate activists disrupted her semi-final at Flushing Meadows and one glued his feet to the stand's concrete floor. "I think that moments like this are history-defining moments," Gauff said. "If that's what they felt they needed to do to get their voices heard, I can't really get upset at it." I The Reuters Daily Briefing newsletter provides all the news you need to start your day. Sign up here.
Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengalbru; Editing by Ken Ferris
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O Rohith Nair
Thomson Reuters
Rohith reports on soccer, tennis, cricket, MotoGP and many more sports. He previously worked at Sportskeeda and has been a sports journalist for more than a decade. • LJ X Cm]
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