A top bookie has drawn up prank plans to protect the British summer of sport from dangerous protesters – by sending demonstrators up in a hot air balloon.
With the Grand National and the World Snooker Championships being targeted by campaign groups recently, Paddy Power is hoping to warn them off by deploying P.E.S.T – the Protestor Exit Support Team.
The team will evacuate campaigners, and transport them away from Royal Ascot in a hot air balloon in the shape of a pair of pants – allowing spectators in the stands and at home to enjoy the action uninterrupted.
The bookmaker also commissioned research, of 2,000 sports fans, which found only the Great British weather is more of a worry than these dangerous protestors, when it comes to ruining the sport this summer.
A spokesman for Paddy Power said: “We see you problematic protesters, and we’re offering to raise your profile – to a safe altitude of approximately 300 meters.
“Everyone has the right to protest peacefully, but a small minority of activists are wreaking havoc at major sporting events this summer – endangering athletes, animals, and spectators with their reckless actions.
“They’re sapping the joy out of one of the purest forms of escapism we’ve got left – and worst of all, they’re making wallies out of His Majesty’s servants, by proving they were all clearly rubbish at playing catch when they were kids.
“So, if it’s a high profile these dangerous demonstrators are after, we’ll give it to them, courtesy of our carbon neutral Lucky Pants hot air balloon.”
It also emerged that despite 63% being concerned about the prospect of further disruption, 75% recognise the importance of having the right to protest safely and express their views freely.
However, 72% also said sporting events should be left alone from dangerous demonstrations – as half of those polled believe these should be kept to public spaces.
Of those who want activists to steer clear of sport, 55% worry it could put the athletes, spectators, and animals at risk.
And 53% think it is disrespectful to those who have dedicated so much time training for these occasions.
Nearly three-quarters (74%) fear the actions of protestors at sporting events are not helpful when it comes to promoting the causes they are passionate about.
In fact, although 38% typically agree with what’s being campaigned about, they feel it could be done in a more respectful manner, according to the poll, conducted via OnePoll.com.
Four in 10 believe fines should be handed out to those who dangerously march onto the field of play to picket – and 37% even believe arrests need to be made as a result of this action.
However, 39% say the Governments “protest removal teams” are merely doing an “adequate” job at handling disruptive protesters.
And when it comes to the athletes, 57% support those who use their platform to support movements and raise awareness about key issues.
