Overview
- Extinction Rebellion Nederland blocked the venue entrance by dumping 2,025 kilograms of coal, chaining themselves to gates, and displaying a banner reading “No Chess on a Dead Planet.”
- Tournament organizers postponed the opening round to protect players, visitors, and staff, citing safety as the reason for the delay.
- Coal was cleared and access restored later the same day, and Tata Steel Netherlands CEO Hans van den Berg apologized to players before play began.
- The activist group said the action targeted what it called sportswashing and cited claims about emissions, lead pollution, and local health impacts.
- Coverage noted ongoing lawsuits against Tata Steel’s Dutch units over alleged health damage as organizers reiterated respect for protest rights alongside safe event operations.