Pro-Palestine activists are planning to disrupt the first day of Wimbledon, raising concerns for the smooth running of the prestigious tournament. The All-England Club is bracing for potential disruptions as the Palestine Solidarity Campaign has announced plans to target Wimbledon during the upcoming event.

With the tournament set to kick off next week, organizers at the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club (AELTC) are ramping up security measures to prevent any interference by pro-Palestinian supporters. The Palestine Solidarity Campaign aims to stage a protest on July 1, the opening day of Wimbledon, which could include obstructing entrances and causing general chaos.

The campaign group has cited Barclays, a sponsor of Wimbledon, for its alleged involvement in financing companies that supply arms to Israel during conflicts in Gaza. This has prompted the activists to target the prestigious tennis event in an effort to hold the sponsor accountable for its actions.

Last year, Wimbledon faced disruptions from anti-oil campaigners, and this year, there are concerns that similar protests could escalate further. The All England Club is wary of potential blockades, vandalism, and disruptions to the tournament’s proceedings, including the possibility of protestors gluing themselves to the court.

Security at Wimbledon is being heightened to address the anticipated challenges posed by both pro-Palestine demonstrators and potential return of anti-oil campaigners. The organizers are working diligently to ensure that the tournament runs smoothly and that disruptions are minimized.

As the sporting world gears up for Wimbledon, the focus is not only on the thrilling matches but also on the security measures in place to safeguard the event from potential disruptions by activist groups.