Just Stop Oil protesters invade pitch and throw orange powder at Twickenham rugby final
Just Stop Oil protesters forced a stoppage in play during the English rugby union premiership final at Twickenham.
Two men invaded the pitch midway through the first half of the match between Saracens and Sale, throwing orange paint powder on to the field.
Twickenham Stadium in London later confirmed two men had been arrested and that the incident is now a police matter.
Drama here at Twickenham!A brief pause due to protestors on the pitch.#ITVRugby | #GallagherPrem pic.twitter.com/azGmbTcyTn
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) May 27, 2023
Fans jeered the duo before cheering as stewards escorted them from the stadium.
Orange powder remained on the field as the match resumed.
A statement from Just Stop Oil said the men involved in the protest were Dr Patrick Hart (37), a GP from Bristol and Sam Johnson (40), a construction worker from Essex.
“Two Just Stop Oil supporters have disrupted the Gallagher Premiership Rugby final,” read the statement.
“They are demanding a halt to any new licences for oil, gas and coal projects in the UK.”
The statement also outlined the pair’s reasons for taking part.