Protester invades the field during the Cuba vs. USA World Baseball Classic semi final
The man waved a banner demanding freedom for political prisoners in Cuba. He was immediately tackled by security and removed from the loanDepot Park stadium
The World Baseball Classic semi final clash between the United States and Cuba brought with it great expectations due to the intense rivalry that these two countries have had for many years, not only in baseball, but also in socio-political affairs. Many fans who attended the game in Miami’s loanDepot Park used the spotlight of the world stage to demonstrate in a variety of ways, including taking the field while the game was in progress.
In the middle of the sixth inning, a man jumped out of the center field stands and came running down the field carrying a white banner that read “Freedom for the Cuban prisoners of July 11.”
The man ran through center field, making it as far as the infield grass before security caught up with him and removed him from the diamond.
In the stands, hundreds of Cuban fans supported the message that the protester espoused and began to chant slogans such as “Cuba Libre” and “Libertad”.
Demonstrations outside the stadium
Prior to the start of the semifinal game between Cuba and the United States, a group of Cuban citizens set up a demonstration stand where they declared that they were in opposition to the Cuban regime and demanded freedom and justice for political prisoners and killed opposition politicians.