Three Just Stop Oil (JSO) protesters have been charged with aggravated trespass after a pitch invasion at Lord’s during the second Ashes test.
Judit Murray, 69, Daniel Knorr, 21, and Jacob Bourne, 26, are all alleged to have been involved in the pitch invasion on Wednesday during the clash between England and Australia.
England cricketer Jonny Bairstow was seen carrying an activist wearing a JSO t-shirt off the pitch as activists released their trademark orange powder onto the field.
The three defendants are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 31 July.
Metropolitan Police Superintendent Gerry Parker said: “We will not tolerate criminal or anti-social behaviour and there are serious consequences for people who engage in criminal acts.”
In a statement, JSO said the climate crisis “knocks us for six” as they called on world leaders to take action over the climate crisis.
“Cricket is an important part of our national heritage, but how can we enjoy England vs Australia when much of the cricketing world is becoming unfit for humans to live in?
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“We can no longer afford to distract ourselves when the sports we play, the food we eat, and the culture we cherish is at risk.
“It’s time for cricket lovers and all those who understand the severity of this situation, to get onto the streets and demand action from this illegitimate, criminal government.
“When our children ask us ‘what did we do’ to avert this crisis, we better have a good answer.”
Wednesday’s incident is the latest in a series of daily protests since 24 April staged by the group, who have unleashed chaos at high-profile events including the Chelsea Flower Show.
Demonstrators were filmed hurling orange powder on a garden display before a woman is seen hosing them down.
JSO also hit the headlines after halting play at the World Snooker Championship, when orange dye was doused over a table at the Crucible in Sheffield.
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Activists also disrupted the Twickenham rugby final in May, with two men arrested for allegedly invading the pitch 15 minutes into the game, greeted by boos from the crowd.
They have also become renowned for holding daily slow marches on major roads in the capital, causing gridlock.
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Earlier this month, the Metropolitan Police said JSO protests have cost the force £4.5m in six weeks, with more than 86 arrests made in relation to 156 slow marches and other disruptions.
The group is demanding politicians act over the climate crisis by ending all new coal, gas and oil projects in the UK.
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