A steward who tackled a Just Stop Oil protester at the Ashes has become a LinkedIn sensation after turning a viral photo into a unique selling point for new work opportunities.
The photograph depicts Finlay Andrews, a marshal at the event, as he defiantly tackles a Just Stop Oil activist who had released a bag of orange powder onto the pitch on Wednesday.
The caption accompanying the photo reads: “If your team could use someone who isn’t afraid to dive in, I’d absolutely love to connect and appreciate any new connections, conversations, or opportunities!”
Mr Andrews, an aspiring media and production runner, goes on to explain how the photograph should be seen as a testament to his professional skills.
He describes himself as “unflinching in the face of challenges” and possessing a “proactive approach when unexpected situations crop up”.
Fellow LinkedIn users praised the young man’s cheekiness and initiative in the comment section of his post, which has gathered over 4,000 likes so far. One user commented: “That photo certainly speaks volumes about your determination and adaptability. It’s refreshing to see a recent grad like yourself diving headfirst into the production and media industry.” Another user made a cricket-related pun and described his post as a “great ‘pitch’ for work.”
The image was taken mere seconds after two protesters wearing Just Stop Oil shirts invaded the pitch on the first day of the Ashes 2nd Test match between England and Australia at Lord’s Cricket Ground. A third protester was seen releasing another bag close to the boundary of the outfield.
Fans also praised England player Jonny Bairstow for his quick response, as he promptly noticed one of the protesters, picked them up, and hauled them towards the boundary. Fellow player Ben Stokes was less successful in his attempt to deter the second protester from spreading orange powder across the pitch.
Both protesters were quickly removed as security staff vacuumed the orange powder so the match could resume.
Just Stop Oil, whose mission is to immediately halt new oil, gas, and coal projects in the UK, has adopted powder protests as their signature action, also targeting other sporting events in recent weeks, such as the World Snooker Championships in Sheffield and the Rugby Premiership final at Twickenham.
Commenting on the protest, a Just Stop Oil spokesperson explained: “Cricket is an important part of our national heritage, but how can we enjoy England vs. Australia when much of the cricketing world is becoming unfit for humans to live in?”
All three protesters have been arrested, a spokesperson for the Met Police confirmed. Police Superintendent Gerry Parker said on the day of the incident: “Today has yet again seen more criminal and disruptive behavior by Just Stop Oil. Three of its members forced the cricket match at Lord’s Cricket Ground to stop play by running onto the outfield and opening a bag of powder dye.”
“Entering the field of play is reckless and potentially endangers those who are playing, working within the stadium, and the protesters themselves,” he added.
