THE FRENCH OPEN men’s final was held up by a flare-carrying protestor who came within just a few feet of defending champion Rafael Nadal to demonstrate against France’s same-sex marriage law this afternoon.
The match between Nadal and David Ferrer was in the second set when a shirtless spectator, wearing a white mask, leapt from the stands and onto the court before he was wrestled away by security officials.
The match was briefly halted with Nadal even taking the time to shake the hand of the burly security guard who had sprinted into the playing arena to protect him.
The protestor had the words ‘Kids Rights’ written across his chest in English.
Shortly beforehand, two protestors were expelled from the stadium after holding up play by brandishing a banner with a slogan on it protesting the same sex marriage law that was voted into law last month amid widespread opposition.
An AFP journalist later saw four people, all aged around 20 years, being led away from the stadium by security agents.
“We are protesting against the Taubira law (authorising same-sex marriages) because we fear for the future of our children,” one of the four shouted out.
On the Suzanne Lenglen Court, in what was a co-ordinated demonstration another protestor, also semi-naked and with a white mask, carried a banner demanding the resignation of French president Francois Hollande.
The second major court at Roland Garros was also hosting fans who were watching the final on a giant screen.
Nadal went on to win his record eighth title in Paris with a 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 victory.
