On Sunday, November 19, a Pro-Palestine pitch invader interrupted the ICC Cricket World Cup Final at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. He was identified as Johnson Wen, an Australian Virat Kohli fan who wanted to spread awareness about the Israel-Hamas war and meet his idol. He was also carrying an LGBTQ flag. Although people are praising his cause, he is currently under arrest for breaching the stadium’s security.
Who was the Pro-Palestine pitch invader at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023?
During the 14th over of the game, a pitch invader successfully ran into the field by avoiding the security. He was originally seated among the Indian fans but he took off his jersey to reveal a white T-shirt with Pro-Palestian slogans including “Stop Bombing Palestine” and “Free Palestine.”
Takes a brave man to do what this pitch invader did, in Ahmedabad, of all places. https://t.co/vote19VTfw
— Behram Qazi 🇵🇰 🇨🇦 (@DeafMango) November 19, 2023
Despite the tight security, he managed to embrace Virat Kohli, who was batting alongside KL Rahul after India suffered three back-to-back wickets loss. The intruder was immediately taken off the premises and arrested by the local police but his message was already broadcast on global television.
After the incident went viral, he was identified as Johnson Wen, a serial pitch invader who had previously interrupted the FIFA Women’s World Cup and Women’s Cricket World Cup in support of Ukraine.
His recent pitch invasion has garnered him mixed responses but the supporters sharing similar Pro-Palestine sentiments outshined the concerns of cricket fans. Read some of their reactions to the incident below.
Virat Kohli is not more important than kids of Palestine. The 'pitch invader' already won the World Cup. The rest is just a match.
— # (@GoofySufi) November 19, 2023
Thinking about that pitch invader guy who raised Palestine flag with message on his shirt in ground, hope he's safe and doing well.
— Haroon (@ThisHaroon) November 19, 2023
https://twitter.com/Mufadal_bohra/status/1726199919961337865?t=2VMfl6VMs6fB_Q_I5oGm0A&s=19
Requesting everyone not to share the image of that protestor who came to steal the limelight wearing free palestine T shirt. He wanted eyeballs. Stop giving it by sharing the image.
— Abhi and Niyu (@abhiandniyu) November 19, 2023
What charges the Pro-Palestine pitch invader can face?
Following the arrest for breaching the security protocols, Johnson Wen was taken to the Chandkheda Police Station in Ahmedabad. During the arrest, he confessed that his love for Virat Kohli and support for Palestine was the motivation behind the incident.
#WATCH | Gujarat: The man who breached the security & entered the field during the India vs Australia Final match, says, "My name is John…I am from Australia. I entered (the field) to meet Virat Kohli. I support Palestine…" pic.twitter.com/5vrhkuJRnw
— ANI (@ANI) November 19, 2023
Despite the favorable opinions of the fans, it is necessary to remember that invading the pitch is considered a crime. A person who overlooks the security rules can be subjected to fines, imprisonment, and a ban from the stadium or all future games. Additionally, all political activities are banned from sports games.
As Johnson Wen, invaded the pitch during an ongoing over and featured political enthusiasm he is likely to face a fine and a possible ban from the stadium. He may as well face jail time due to his repeated pitch invading but it is rather unlikely.
The security practices of the ICC Cricket World Cup and the Narendra Modi Stadium are also going to face criticism and demands for changes in security from this incident. However, it remains to be seen if the Indian judiciary agrees with the sentiments of cricket fans who are overlooking the risks of pitch invading in support of his cause.
