‘Pro-Palestinian’ pitch invader is habitual offender ‘seeking social media fame’

Pro-Palestinian supporter Johnson (24) detained by Ahmedabad Crime Branch for entering pitch during India-Australia cricket World Cup final. Sent to police custody for one-day. Wore face mask bearing Palestine flag and T-shirt with 'Stop bombing Palestine' slogans. Intended to meet Virat Kohli. Habitual offender, booked in Australia for similar offences.

The pro-Palestinian supporter of Australian origin, Wen Johnson (24), who ran onto the pitch during the India-Australia cricket World Cup final on Sunday, was on Monday evening produced before the sessions court in Gandhinagar after he was detained by Ahmedabad crime branch. He has been sent to police custody for one-day . 

He ran onto the ground at Narendra Modi Stadium just before the drinks break at around 3pm. He was apprehended by security personnel after he approached Virat Kohli. 

Johnson wore a face mask bearing the Palestine flag and a T-shirt with ‘Stop bombing Palestine’ and ‘Save Palestine’ slogans on the front and back.

He was arrested by Chandkheda police on charges of criminal trespass (section 447) and causing hurt to deter public servants from doing their duty (section 332).

His intrusion was seen as a major security lapse. Over a 100 VIPs including the Union Home Minister Amit Shah were in the audience. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australia’s Deputy PM also joined later that evening. 

The city police commissioner transferred the case from Chandkheda police to Crime Branch, which presented Johnson in a court in Gandhinagar to seek his remand for further probe.

Advocate VS Vaghela, appearing for Johnson, told reporters his client was remanded in police custody till 5pm on Tuesday though the Crime Branch had sought 10-day custody on various grounds.