FOOTBALL fans were hospitalized after a Greenpeace protestor crashed into them during a parachute stunt just moments before France’s Euro 2020 match against Germany.
Just before kick off, the activist could be seen flying overhead at the Allianz Stadium in Munich but as he descended towards the pitch his parachute caught a camera wire – bringing him to the ground.
That collision sent the activist drastically off course and he injured a number of spectators as he swooped over the stands in an attempt to regain control.
He passed over spectators in the front rows and over the France manager, Didier Deschamps, in his dugout, before landing on the pitch.
Having been helped to his feet by Germany’s Antonio Rüdiger, he was then taken away by security, but somehow did not delay the start of the Euro 2020 match.
The parachute contained messages relating to Greenpeace according to ESPN journalist Archie Rhind-Tutt.
His tweet reported that the protestor almost crashed into fans after hitting a big line above the stands, but he managed to steer himself onto the field instead.
Some of the parachute was clipped by TV cameras, so the protestor was fortunate to make it down in one piece.
The collision also caused debris which fell down onto the pitch, almost striking France manager Didier Deschamps, who took shelter under the dugout.
Toni Rudiger approached the protestor to ensure he was okay after his crash landing.
UEFA responded to the incident with a statement calling the activist’s actions “reckless and dangerous” and confirmed several people had been injured and were taken to hospital.
It also said law authorities would take the “necessary action” against the activist.
The activist flew in with a yellow parachute which included the slogan ‘Kick out oil’ as well as Volkswagen’s logo.
The match continued on schedule, while the incident was picked up by television cameras.
UEFA said: “This inconsiderate act – which could have had very serious consequences for a huge number of people attending – caused injuries to several people attending the game who are now in hospital and law authorities will take the necessary action.
“UEFA and its partners are fully committed to a sustainable EURO 2020 tournament and many initiatives have been implemented to offset carbon emissions.
“The staging of the match was fortunately not impacted by such a reckless and dangerous action, but several people were injured nonetheless.”
Video footage of the incident shows the protestor frantically steering towards the pitch after almost coming into contact with spectators.
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But the protestor was foiled in his attempt to disrupt proceedings, as he was quickly removed by stewards.
He may have been successful in getting his message across however, with the top of the parachute reading: “Kick out oil!”.
Germany went on to lose 1-0 to France in their opening game, Mats Hummels scoring a horror own goal.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
