"Kick Them Out": Steve Smith Fumes At US Open Chaos As Climate Protesters Halt Semi-Final

The US Open was plunged into chaos on Thursday after climate activists disrupted play, forcing a 50-minute stoppage as the tennis showpiece became the latest sporting event to be targeted by protesters. The semi-final clash between American teenager Coco Gauff and Karolina Muchova in the Arthur Ashe Stadium was halted in game two of the second set as three protesters wearing t-shirts with the slogan "end fossil fuels" began chanting the same message. The protesters were greeted with jeers and chants of "kick them out" by other spectators as security staff moved in.

One of the protesters glued his feet to the concrete floor of the stadium, preventing his swift removal from the arena, tournament officials said.

The delay occurred as Muchova prepared to serve early in the second set with Gauff leading 6-4, 1-0 just after 8pm local time.

Coco Gauff's US Open semi-final against Karolina Muchova halted by climate change protestors in the stands. #usopen pic.twitter.com/qded3qEYBN

Gauff and Muchova waited patiently on the court for several minutes but eventually left the court to return to the locker rooms.

What is going on here? Just kick them out? @usopen

"NYPD are in the process of resolving a fan disturbance. Play will resume as soon as possible," the US Open said in a statement.

US Open tournament director Stacey Allaster later confirmed to US media that one of the protesters had glued themselves to the floor.

"When security got there they found one of the protesters had physically glued themselves to the cement floor," Allaster said.

Television footage showed Gauff and Muchova trying to stay loose in the locker rooms, consulting with coaching staff during the unprecedented delay.

Gauff and Muchova finally returned to the