Activist who disrupted Spurs game claims he is a big football fan

'I'm a massive football fan'

The 'Just Stop Oil' activist who halted Tottenham Hotspur's game against West Ham says he is a 'massive football fan' and 'enjoyed the first-half'. Nathan McGovern, 22, disrupted Spurs' Premier League clash against the Hammers last Sunday in an effort to get the government to halt new fossil fuel licensing and production. Mr McGovern - who is said to be a Coventry City fan - was one of several activists to have paused football matches in recent weeks - with one member of the Just Stop Oil movement attaching himself to a goal post during Evrton's match against Newcastle. However, the 22-year-old has since claimed that he is a fan of football and enjoyed the match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, before bringing it to a halt. "I genuinely enjoyed the first half, it was a really good half of football," he said, as per the Independent. "I’m a massive football fan."

Just Stop Oil claim the government are 'harming our future'

A spokesperson for the Just Stop Oil coalition said there would be "nonviolent civil resistance" against a government that is "now harming us and our future by allowing new oil and gas." Mr McGovern insisted that he was concerned about disrupting the game and alienating the supporters in the stadium, adding that he knew he was disrupting "the highlight of their week." He also said that he was aware several football fans had been annoyed by the protest, but that he believes some of them had understood and that his message had been received. The activist suggested that the climate crisis could lead to games being called off because of flooding or heat in the future. "I hope to be able to get through to all of those fans," he said. "Because they’re the people who are going to be affected or already are affected by the climate crisis."

Six pitch invaders arrested and charged

The Metropolitan Police said six people - including Mr McGovern - were arrested under the Football Offences Act for being on the pitch during Spurs' game against West Ham on March 20. All were charged and will appear at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court on April 8, the police said. Related links:

• Everton pitch invader revealed as Insulate Britain campaigner
• Environmental activist ties himself to post during Everton vs Newcastle clash
• Environmental activist tries to handcuff himself to goal during Arsenal vs Liverpool clash