Two men have been charged over the Just Stop Oil protest at the Gallagher Premier Rugby Final at Twickenham on Saturday when activists invaded the pitch and threw orange powder paint during live play.
Met Police said Samuel Johnson, 40, of Reddon and Suffolk, and Patrick Hart, 37, of Brislington, Bristol, were charged with aggravated assault.
Police said the charges related to an incident 24 minutes after the match between Saracens and Sale briefly disrupted play.
The hosts escorted the pair off the field, and the match continued. Saracens went on to win 35-25.
Both men have been taken into custody and are expected to appear at Wimbledon Magistrates Court on Monday.
Kyle Gordon, captain of the Met Gold’s events in London, said on Saturday: “Yesterday’s incident at the rugby final will cause frustration for both players and spectators alike. With so many other events taking place, and visitors in our capital this weekend, we will continue to monitor such events.” incidents and respond quickly.
“When protest devolves into criminality or serious disorder, we will take extreme measures to ensure Londoners and visitors alike can continue to enjoy their Bank Weekend.”
He said the force recorded 102 Just Stop Oil slow marches across London, resulting in 51 arrests.
In a statement released after the protest, the group said it “will continue to take disruptive actions until this government stops new fossil fuels.”
