Sunday, December 21, 2025
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

    Toys 'R' Us Canada Names 12-Year-Old Boy From Quebec As New 'Chief Play Officer'

    Toys 'R' Us Canada Names 12-Year-Old Boy From Quebec As New 'Chief Play Officer'
    His job is to try out products, make recommendations and take part in media appearances and events.

    Toys 'R' Us Canada Names 12-Year-Old Boy From Quebec As New 'Chief Play Officer'

    Tuesday Primaries Key To Republicans As Donald Trump Sees End Game

    Tuesday Primaries Key To Republicans As Donald Trump Sees End Game
    Republican front-runner Donald Trump faces a week of critical primary elections that could see his political dominance grow at the risk of even wider party divisions in one of the most chaotic presidential campaigns in generations.

    Tuesday Primaries Key To Republicans As Donald Trump Sees End Game

    Former Pakistani Diplomat Husain Haqqani Not To Attend Delhi Litfest

    Former Pakistani Diplomat Husain Haqqani Not To Attend Delhi Litfest
    Citing visa issue as the reason for Haqqani's absence, organisers said that noted Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasrin will fill his place in the festival.

    Former Pakistani Diplomat Husain Haqqani Not To Attend Delhi Litfest

    Donald Trump Considers Paying Legal Bills For Man Charged At Rally

    Donald Trump Considers Paying Legal Bills For Man Charged At Rally
    When asked whether he'd financially back the supporter, who was arrested and charged with assault, Trump says he's "instructed my people to look into it, yes."

    Donald Trump Considers Paying Legal Bills For Man Charged At Rally

    Stolen Ancient Jain, Hindu Statues Worth $450,000 Seized In USA

    Stolen Ancient Jain, Hindu Statues Worth $450,000 Seized In USA
    The statues seized Friday by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents in "Operation Hidden Idol" were of Rishabhanata, the first Jain Thirthankar, and of Revanta, a son of God Surya

    Stolen Ancient Jain, Hindu Statues Worth $450,000 Seized In USA

    Donald Trump Calls Off Rally Due To Security Concerns

    Donald Trump Calls Off Rally Due To Security Concerns
    Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump cancelled one of his signature rallies on Friday, calling off the event due to safety concerns after protesters packed the arena where he was scheduled to speak.

    Donald Trump Calls Off Rally Due To Security Concerns