The security personnel apprehended the man, who was identified as Wayne Johnson, an Australian of Chinese-Filipino origin.
Johnson trying to hug Virat Kohli. (Screengrab)
A pro-Palestine fan breached a tight security cordon to enter the field of play in a desperate attempt to hug Virat Kohli during the World Cup final between India against Australia in Ahmedabad on Sunday, 19 November. The incident happened before the first drinks break.
The security personnel apprehended the man, who was identified as Wayne Johnson, an Australian of Chinese-Filipino origin.
Political sloganeering is an offence at cricket games but with Johnson being a foreign national, it is not yet known what kind of action will be taken against him.
Johnson wore a face mask with the design of a Palestine flag and a T-shirt with slogans on both sides.
“Stop bombing Palestine” was written on the front of the t-shirt and “Save Palestine” was on the back.
His sudden intrusion caught everyone unawares, but the security was quick to apprehend him.
The ICC doesn’t allow any political sloganeering during its event and any such act is also not allowed in India.
He was eventually taken to the Chand Kheda Police Station in Ahmedabad, where he was formally arrested.
Speaking to the media as he was being taken away, Johnson said he wanted to meet Virat Kohli and was protesting against the war in Palestine.
“My name is Johnson Wen I am from Australia. I entered (the field) to meet Virat Kohli. I support Palestine. I protested against the war,” he told reporters.
(With PTI inputs)
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