Open organizers are teaming up with protest groups to try to prevent disruptions in Hoylake in July… following a wave of chaos that saw activists storm the Grand National and World Snooker Championship
- Organizers of The Open talk to protesters to reduce the risks of disruption
- Protesters caused a stir at both the Grand National and World Snooker Championships
- Such events have raised concerns about similar incidents taking place this summer
Organizers of The Open are working with protest groups to reduce the risks of disruption this summer.
There has been massive chaos at the Grand National and World Snooker Championships in recent days, raising the possibility of similar happenings at major British sports classics such as Wimbledon and The Open.
The R&A, which runs The Open, confirmed on Wednesday that there will be a record 260,000 fans at Hoylake in July, but as with the London Marathon, they have tried to come to the fore by speaking to protest groups.
It could lead to designated areas for some protesters, but wouldn’t necessarily mitigate the challenges posed for the Crucible, where Just Stop Oil was aiming for a bigger impact.
Rhodri Price, the championship’s director of operations, said: “If there’s any communication that they want to be there, then certainly in the past (for the purpose of bidding) we’ve engaged an area to tell them what their message is in a controlled environment. They can then communicate their messages without disrupting the championship.’
Organizers of The Open are working with protest groups to reduce the risks of disruption
Mass chaos has ensued at the Grand National and World Snooker Championships
Recent events have raised concerns about similar incidents taking place this summer at major British sporting events such as Wimbledon and The Open.
Mike Woodcock, R&A’s Director of Communications, added: ‘Each year security is a major priority for us and our chain of command with a wide variety of security agencies and police, local authorities and so on involved in that process.
“Each year we review what the situation is and assess any issues, threats and issues that may arise. That will be no different this year.
“Obviously we’ll be aware of what’s happened over the past few days to make sure it doesn’t come back here in July.”