In a stunning turn of events, a pro-Palestine fan managed to breach the tight security cordon and enter the field of play during the highly anticipated World Cup final between India and Australia in Ahmedabad on Sunday. The fan, identified as 24-year-old Wen Johnson, defied all odds in a desperate attempt to hug the Indian cricket team’s star player, Virat Kohli.

Security Breach and Legal Consequences

City police swiftly took action, detaining and booking Wen Johnson on charges of trespassing and obstructing public servants in the discharge of their duty. He has been taken into custody and is currently being held at the Chandkheda police station. The incident occurred just before the first drinks break, leaving the authorities shocked and concerned about the breach of security protocols.

Political Messages and ICC Guidelines

Johnson boldly displayed his support for Palestine by donning a face mask adorned with the Palestinian flag and a T-shirt featuring slogans such as ‘Stop bombing Palestine’ and ‘Save Palestine’. However, it is important to note that the International Cricket Council (ICC) strictly prohibits any form of political sloganeering during its events. Such acts are also not allowed within the premises of Indian cricket stadiums.

A History of Offenses

Initial investigations have revealed that Wen Johnson is a habitual offender, having been previously booked in his home country for invading sports fields. Inspector Viraj Jadeja from the Chandkheda police station confirmed this information, shedding light on Johnson’s past transgressions. “Johnson confessed to being an ardent fan of Virat Kohli and stated that meeting him was his primary motivation. The pro-Palestine T-shirt was merely worn to attract attention, as his main aim was to meet Kohli,” stated Inspector Jadeja.

Detention and Instagram Revelations

Following the registration of an FIR in the evening, Wen Johnson was officially detained. Further scrutiny of his social media presence on Instagram under the handle ‘pyjamamann’ exposed a series of videos and photos depicting his previous field invasions during football games. These documented instances showed Johnson being escorted off the pitches by security personnel. In one particular photo, Johnson can be seen wearing a T-shirt with the slogan “Free Ukraine” during another pitch intrusion.

A Calculated Act

Johnson cleverly concealed his pro-Palestine T-shirt by layering it with a normal outer garment. He removed this outer T-shirt just moments before dashing towards Virat Kohli, who was in the midst of his batting innings. When questioned about his motive, Johnson expressed his desire to meet Kohli and clarified that the T-shirt slogans were a display of his support for Palestine.

Ongoing Conflict in the Middle East

The incident took place amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which has escalated since October 7. This context adds a deeper layer of significance to Johnson’s actions, as the pro-Palestine sentiment resonates with the struggles faced by the Palestinian people.

It is crucial to emphasize that security breaches, such as the one witnessed during the World Cup final, highlight the need for even stricter measures to ensure the safety and integrity of sporting events. Authorities and organizers must remain vigilant in safeguarding players, fans, and the overall spirit of the game.

Article by PTI