Gary Lineker has said Just Stop Oil’s cause is “probably more important” than disrupting sports events. BBC Match of the Day presenter voiced his sympathy with campaigners while hosting a special environment panel at Wimbledon, a day after protesters twice halted play by running onto court throwing a jigsaw puzzle on the grass.

“I completely understand where they’re coming from — disruptive protest is the only one that gets any publicity,” said Lineker, who was controversially suspended earlier this year by BBC after speaking out on the government’s immigration policy.

The former England striker, speaking after chairing the Wimbledon panel, added: “I get it. I also understand why people get so upset with it, particularly in sport. I think what is more important is probably our existence in the future rather than slight disruption of sporting events or other things.

“You don’t want things to be disrupted but at the same time they will really be disrupted with climate change. From what I’ve seen… splashing a bit of paint on a piece of glass where there is a painting behind, throwing jigsaw puzzles and a bit of confetti is not going to hurt anyone.”

Just Stop Oil activists have also stormed the British Grand Prix, the Ashes, Premiership rugby and the World Snooker Championships over the past year, and are threatening further chaos unless their environmental demands are met. Their antics have put sporting chiefs and police at odds with the government, after policing minister Chris Philp said on Thursday that it was “reasonable” for spectators to act.

“I think it’s reasonable for people to try and protect the event they’re watching. Obviously, nobody should do anything dangerous or hurt anyone,” he told Times Radio, although he qualified it when asked if it was “fair enough” to lift a protester up and remove them.

“There are marshals and their stewards whose job it is to do that. And of course, the police are there as well. So I would say, let’s let the marshals and the stewards do their job.”

But police warned that the public should not intervene as they could put themselves at risk — not least from potential charges for assault – and interfere with efforts to tackle any incident.

“Taking the law into your own hands can be dangerous and we would urge anyone to call the police if a crime is taking place. Getting involved may put you at risk and can hinder the police’s ability to deal with an incident,” said a spokesman for the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC).

The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) did not comment but a senior cricketing source said: “I would suggest that should any spectators become aware of anything, we would urge them to report to stewards or other ground staff.”

Earlier, leading British sports stars outlined the fear caused by unexpected disruption. “It was uncomfortable to watch,” said British tennis player Heather Watson of Tuesday’s protests, who was also on the panel. “I was thinking, ‘If I was playing on that court I wonder how I would have felt.’

You don’t know what somebody is running on the court for. You fear for your safety. Let’s work as a team, let’s collaborate, we all want the same thing.”

The Daily Telegraph in London

Invasion okay with Hamilton

Silverstone: Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton said he would support a peaceful protest at the British Grand Prix this weekend as Formula One drivers voiced fears of environmental activists invading the track.

Six "Just Stop Oil" campaigners ran on to the track after an opening-lap crash at last year's race and the same group has disrupted cricket, horse racing, rugby, snooker and tennis in recent months.

Protesters scattered orange powder on the outfield at Lord's during the second Ashes cricket test in June and interrupted play at Wimbledon on Wednesday.

Asked at Silverstone whether he would support a protest that did not involve a track invasion, Hamilton, who has previously expressed sympathy with the cause, replied: "Yes. I support peaceful protests."

The Mercedes driver said everyone "was naturally hoping that we've learnt a lot from last year's experience and that won't happen this weekend.

"I believe we have 100 more marshals this weekend, which are there to be supportive and make sure this doesn't happen as well.

"At least from my perspective and my team's we we believe in what people are fighting for."

Reuters