In an unexpected turn of events during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 final between India and Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, an Australian man named Wen Johnson made headlines as he breached security, hugged Virat Kohli, and voiced support for Palestine.
The Ahmedabad police swiftly responded by registering a case against Johnson, who had crossed the railing to enter the playing field. The charges, under sections 332 and 447 of the Indian Penal Code, pertain to unauthorized entry
into the Gujarat Cricket Association stadium.
Speaking to media persons after the incident, Wen Johnson, the pitch intruder, identified himself as John from Australia. He expressed his admiration for Virat Kohli and clarified that he entered the field to meet the cricket icon. Notably, he voiced his support for Palestine, which has been under attack by Israel since a surprise assault by Hamas on southern Israel starting from October 7.
Wen Johnson made a symbolic statement during the intrusion, wearing a T-shirt bearing the slogan ‘Free Palestine’ and donning a mask with the colors of the Palestinian flag. Describing himself with an unusual twist, Wen Johnson revealed, “I have a meme disorder that causes me to think about memes 20 hours a day. I spend 90% of my life reading memes. MEMES MEMES MEMES and more
MEMES!! I have an extremely boring life and am anti-social,” according to an account named ‘gofundme’ as quoted by TimesNow.
Sources indicated that Wen Johnson is not new to such disruptions. Known as a TikTok prankster, he has a track record of intruding on matches. Despite his antics, he remains a dedicated fan of Virat Kohli.
This isn’t Johnson’s first pitch invasion. Reports suggest he disrupted the FIFA Women’s World Cup final earlier this year, wearing a “Free Ukraine” T-shirt, causing a 20-minute delay in the match.
An Instagram profile under the name ‘Pyjamamann’ provides a glimpse into Johnson’s global protests. From wearing a “Free Ukraine” T-shirt during the FIFA Women’s World Cup final to his recent ‘Free Palestine’ statement in the Cricket World Cup, Johnson appears to be a globetrotting advocate for various
causes.