Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 29
10 Demonstrators Protest Barclays Wimbledon Sponsorship Over Israeli Arms Links
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 29

10 Demonstrators Protest Barclays Wimbledon Sponsorship Over Israeli Arms Links

3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 29

Summary

  • Ten demonstrators gathered outside the All England Club on Monday morning, urging Wimbledon to drop Barclays as a championship sponsor.
  • Barclays was targeted over investments in weapons manufacturers supplying the Israeli Defense Forces, with protesters stressing they opposed the sponsorship rather than tennis itself.
  • The action drew little visible traction from spectators heading into the grounds, where attention stayed on matches, injuries and long queues for strawberries and cream.
  • By midday the group had largely dispersed, leaving one protester near the gates as police stood nearby and play continued across the tournament.

Insights

With protests ignored and champagne flowing, has Wimbledon's commercial success insulated it from ethical concerns over its sponsors?
As Wimbledon tickets become a luxury good, is its cherished tradition now exclusively for the world's wealthiest fans?