Masked Pitch Invader Interrupts World Cup Final, Hugs Kohli and Delivers Pro-Palestine Message
The intruder, identified as Wayne Johnson, evaded security and hugged Indian cricketer Virat Kohli before being apprehended.
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During the World Cup final on Sunday in Ahmedabad, a masked pitch invader manages to get past the security perimeter at Narendra Modi stadium and crosses the field to a surprised Virat Kohli. He even manages to throw an arm around Kohli and stand with a hand on his shoulder before being overcome by the security personnel.
He attempted to embrace the Indian batter and rubbed Kohli's back at first, but was pushed out of the way before the security guards arrived.
Virat Kohli watches as a masked pitch invader with a 'Stop Bombing Palestine' t-shirt rushes onto the field during the Australia vs. India ICC Cricket World Cup final in Ahmedabad.
Virat Kohli watches as a masked pitch invader with a 'Stop Bombing Palestine' t-shirt rushes onto the field during the Australia vs. India ICC Cricket World Cup final in Ahmedabad.
He was recognized as Wayne Johnson, an Australian of Chinese and Filipino ancestry. He was wearing a mask adorned with the pattern of the Palestinian flag, and the words "Stop bombing Palestine" and "Save Palestine" were printed on both the front and back of his T-shirt.
A fan evaded the security perimeter and entered the field during the 14th over, which led to the incident.
"John is my name. My home is in Australia. To meet Virat Kohli, I went inside. I support Palestine," ANI reported him to have said. His arrest has occurred.
VIDEO | Security personnel apprehended the man who breached a tight security cordon to enter the field of play during the World Cup final between India against Australia earlier in the day.
STORY: Pro-Palestine fan breaches security to reach Kohli
READ: https://t.co/zHSPmivGty… pic.twitter.com/Xj1akgn3Z7 — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 19, 2023
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