Security bosses are on alert over the prospect of protestors targeting Saturday’s FA Cup Final – and are set to deploy ‘sprinter stewards’ in a bid to ensure anyone invading the pitch is stopped in their tracks.
Mail Sport understands that the prospect of encroachment onto the playing surface has played a major part in planning ahead of the Wembley Manchester derby, along with keeping the peace between the two sets of rival fans amid a day of train strikes.
The move comes following a number of recent incidents at high-profile events.
Two men have been charged after a Just Stop Oil protest at the Gallagher Premiership rugby union final at Twickenham on Saturday.
There, activists invaded the pitch and threw orange paint powder during the first half of the match between Saracens and Sale.
Wembley Stadium have beefed up security ahead of the FA Cup final taking place on Saturday
‘Sprinter Stewards’ will be deployed to stop protestors from encroaching on to the pitch – such as the one that interrupted the Gallagher Premiership rugby final at Twickenham on Saturday
At the World Snooker Championship in April a man tipped orange paint on a table mid-frame while a woman was prevented by a referee by repeating the trick at a match opposite.
Last season, a protestor caused a delay to Everton’s Premier League clash with Newcastle United at Goodison Park when he attached his neck to a goalpost with a cable tie.
It is understood similar scenarios have featured in planning ahead of the City versus United clash under the arch, which has posed major logistical questions.
Equipment to release protestors is likely to be on-site while the sprinter stewards, the use of whom was revealed by Mail Sport ahead of the closing day of the last Premier League season, are also likely to be present.
A protestor marred a match at the World Snooker Championship by throwing orange powder
Marylebone Cricket Club is taking measures to minimise the threat of disruption at Lord’s Cricket Ground (pictured) from protests by Just Stop Oil
Such workers are specially trained in dealing with invaders and wear football boots or footwear with the most adequate grip to allow them for speed.
Also described as ‘pitch runners’, they are tasked with keeping an eye out for any members of the public attempting to breach security lines and make their way onto the field of play.
Officials have a number of other measures they can take to prevent and deal with any disruption.
A statement released by Just Stop Oil following the Twickenham protest said they would ‘continue to take disruptive action until this government stops new fossil fuels’.
Security is also being stepped up at the home of cricket in an effort to stop eco militants targeting a summer of Test matches.
England open their summer fixtures tomorrow against Ireland before Australia arrive next month for the Ashes.
In the wake of a series of stunts targeting high-profile events, Marylebone Cricket Club, the proprietor of Lord’s in north London, said it is taking measures to minimise the threat from Just Stop Oil.
A spokesman said the ‘safety and security’ of players and spectators was the ‘highest priority’.
‘While protests would disrupt the game, we have a number of security measures in place, some visible, some less so, to deter this. In some areas we have enhanced existing provisions,’ the spokesman said.