Friday, June 12, 2026
ADVT 
International

Sikh Man Kicked Out Of Wimbledon Queue For 'Making People Uncomfortable'

IANS, 13 Jul, 2016 12:45 PM
    A 20-year-old Sikh man was kicked out of an overnight queue to watch the Wimbledon tennis championships as he apparently made other people around him "uncomfortable".
     
    Govindpal Kooner took to Facebook last week to voice his anger at being thrown out and claimed it was an act of racism, cases of which have reported a rise in the wake of Britain's vote to leave the European Union (EU).
     
    He wrote on Friday: "Kicked out of the overnight camping line for centre court Wimbledon line 'because you make some people around you uncomfortable, so we're gonna have to report you and ask you to leave immediately, sir'".
     

    "Post-Brexit racism and the overt rise of neo-facism. Please advise how best to report this," he said.
     
    The sportsman who himself dreams of playing professional tennis was eventually allowed to enter the ground after re-queuing in the line a few hours later and made an official complaint about his treatment.
     
    "I felt awful. I felt like I should've fought and negotiated but I backed down and silently left. I don't feel like I'm ever going back now. It's still one of my favourite tournaments but can no longer definitively say it's a lifelong dream to play on centre court," he was quoted as saying by Metro.
     
    Dozens of people responded to his post saying he should report the "discrimination" to police.
     
    A Wimbledon spokesperson said: "We can confirm that a gentleman was asked to leave the queue at 4.42 am this morning (Friday) after a number of complaints from his fellow queuers about his behaviour."
     
    He has previously been warned about his conduct in The Queue on up to six separate occasions during this year's Championships.
     
    "We do acknowledge, however, that in this instance the event safety staff could have provided a better explanation to him. Happily, the same person has been in the Grounds today (Friday) watching the tennis," he said.
     
    But the man insists he did nothing that would warrant being escorted off the grounds, was not intoxicated, loud or aggressive and had not been previously warned about his behaviour.

    MORE International ARTICLES

    Indian Researcher In Australia, Vandana Gulati, Uses Plants For Diabetes Treatment

    Indian Researcher In Australia, Vandana Gulati, Uses Plants For Diabetes Treatment
    An Indian researcher currently pursuing Ph.D in Australia is conducting a study to test the use of plants in the treatment of diabetes and cancer, a media report said on Wednesday.

    Indian Researcher In Australia, Vandana Gulati, Uses Plants For Diabetes Treatment

    Indian Woman Eyewitness To New Zealand Jewellery Heist, Robber Hits Good Samaritan With Hammer

    Indian Woman Eyewitness To New Zealand Jewellery Heist, Robber Hits Good Samaritan With Hammer
    Karishma Govind, a manager at an outlet in Sylvia Park mall where the jewellery store is located, witnessed the robber smash the display case with a hammer, taking around NZ$40,000 (about $29,000) worth of jewellery

    Indian Woman Eyewitness To New Zealand Jewellery Heist, Robber Hits Good Samaritan With Hammer

    Mayor Says He Supports Girl's Idea To Have Goats In Saanich Backyards

    Mayor Says He Supports Girl's Idea To Have Goats In Saanich Backyards
    SAANICH, B.C. — An 11-year old girl's bid to have miniature goats permitted in a Vancouver Island community's backyards appears to be moving forward at the mayor's office.

    Mayor Says He Supports Girl's Idea To Have Goats In Saanich Backyards

    Rescued False Killer Whale To Stay At Vancouver Aquarium With Dolphin Roommate

    Rescued False Killer Whale To Stay At Vancouver Aquarium With Dolphin Roommate
    The whale, named Chester by Vancouver Aquarium staff, was in poor condition and had cuts on his body when he was rescued in July 2014.

    Rescued False Killer Whale To Stay At Vancouver Aquarium With Dolphin Roommate

    Undercover Cops Provided Money For Accused B.C. Duo Damaged By Addiction: Lawyer

    VANCOUVER — A defence lawyer has begun closing arguments in the case of two alleged B.C. terrorists accused of scheming to blow up the provincial legislature on Canada Day in 2013.

    Undercover Cops Provided Money For Accused B.C. Duo Damaged By Addiction: Lawyer

    'Perseverance Behind Indian Americans' Dominance Of National Spelling Bee'

    'Perseverance Behind Indian Americans' Dominance Of National Spelling Bee'
    The impressive performance of Indian Americans at the Scripps National Spelling Bee could be due to their perseverance, hard work, well-educated parents and a milestone documentary that made them realise "we could do this"

    'Perseverance Behind Indian Americans' Dominance Of National Spelling Bee'