After delaying the Grand National and causing chaos at the Crucible with an orange powder stunt during the World Snooker Championships, where will Just Stop Oil, or any other protest group for that matter, strike next?
The big derby in Scotland is a major deal at the best of time, but a Scottish Cup semi final at Hampden cranks it up a notch. Celtic will be looking for Hampden revenge after losing 2-1 at the same stage last year, while Rangers need a win to retain any hopes of lifting a trophy this season following their Premier Sports Cup final defeat to their rivals and falling well off the pace in the Premiership.
Whether targeting the biggest fixture in Scotland to get your message out there - regardless of what it is - is the best idea, we’re not sure. But with millions tuning in from around the world, there’s certainly an audience to play to. Going by the reaction of snooker fans (who knew they were so foul mouthed?), any attempts to hijack the last four clash with a protest likely won't be received too well from those there to see their team.
In fact, it's maybe just about the only thing that will unite the 52,000 inside the National Stadium. Nonetheless, those looking after security at Mount Florida will no doubt be on higher alert after recent high profile stunts.
But what are the chances of the Glasgow derby being targeted? legalsportsbooks.com are taking bets on the next big event to have some uninvited guests.
Major events to be interrupted by protestors
Eurovision Song Contest 7/2
State opening of Parliament 5/1
FA Cup Final 8/1
Royal Ascot 9/1
British F1 GP 10/1
Rangers v Celtic semi-final 12/1
King’s Coronation 16/1
Wimbledon Mens or Ladies Final 18/1
A spokesperson for LegalSportsbooks.com said: “Security will be on high alert for the big day, but as activists become bolder in their actions the chances of them targeting this month’s Old Firm derby have become more likely.
“The UK is also staging a number of major events in the coming months and organisers will now have to deal with the possibility of being used as a platform for someone to further their cause. Later this month Celtic and Rangers meet in a Scottish Cup semi-final, and there is also the FA Cup Final in Wembley in June. Having hit the snooker and Aintree, anything is possible now.”
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