Just Stop Oil has been blamed for the Wimbledon queue descending into chaos as new tough security checks led to some fans missing matches.
The first day of the tournament saw up to 10,000 people lining up at security gates as new anti-protest measures meant sun cream and deodorant were confiscated.
Some visitors complained that despite buying tickets for specific games the lengthy wait to pass through security meant they had missed their chosen match.
Others were so annoyed at being left outside the SW19 grounds stand at one point in the rain that they promised never to return.
Anyone arriving at the tournament is required to pass through airport-style security checks as bags are fully inspected, along with all types of containers opened and checked.
Specialist “behavioural detection” undercover police spotters are also operating in the queues in the hope of identifying protesters. Some were picked out by security staff to undergo body searches.
For those in the queue, where people can buy a single ticket for that day’s play, the new intense security was singled out as the cause of their delays.
‘It’s never been this slow’
Becky Deeming, an events manager from London, arrived just after 3.30am but only got into the grounds at around 1.30pm Just Stop Oil has been blamed for the Wimbledon queue descending into chaos as new tough security checks led to some fans missing matches.
I’ve queued before at 4.30am and got in at 10.30am, everyone around me has queued before and it’s never been this slow.”
She added: “A steward told me security is holding everything up because there were protesters at the Ashes and they are worried the same will happen here so they are checking more thoroughly.”
Chalk dust and powders are among the latest banned substances at Wimbledon this year. Meanwhile, cable ties, glue, chains and padlocks are also now listed among the “prohibited items”.
The items have been used repeatedly by Just Stop Oil and other activist groups to disrupt sporting events, such as the Ashes, the Grand National and the World Snooker Championships.
The Wimbledon website makes it clear that visitors with any banned item “may be refused entry or ejected from the grounds” and any items surrendered as a condition of entry cannot be reclaimed.