Fans hurt in ‘reckless’ parachute stunt

Greenpeace says sorry after paraglide protester crashes into Munich arena

GREENPEACE apologised today after two people were hospitalised with head injuries in a “reckless and dangerous” parachute stunt before last night’s France v Germany Euro 2020 match.

Plastic and metal rained onto the pitch and into stands when the protester hit overhead Spidercam TV cables as he paraglided through the open roof of Munich’s Allianz Arena moments before the match kicked off.

He then lost control of the seated microlight which had a rear fan propelling him under a yellow parachute.

French manager Didier Deschamps was forced to take cover as the activist narrowly avoided landing on his dugout and fans in the front rows.

The man, 38, landed heavily on grass and was helped to his feet by Germany’s Antonio Rüdiger before security escorted him off the pitch.

After receiving a medical check-up, he was arrested and taken to the stadium’s detention centre. At least two people were hospitalised, with one suffering facial fractures, German newspaper Bild reported. Police could not confirm the extent of the injuries, though neither is believed to have needed surgery. Greenpeace said the protester, who bore the slogan “KICK OUT OIL!” on his parachute, was supposed to have gone over the stadium and dropped a ball onto the pitch to protest Volkswagen, which is a Euro 2020 sponsor. In a statement, it said: “We sincerely apologise to the two people injured and to fans and players alike.

“This protest was never intended to disrupt the game or hurt people ... Technical difficulties forced the pilot to an emergency landing in the stadium.”

Greenpeace called on VW to end “production of climate damaging internal combustion engine cars and transition to EVs faster”.

UEFA called the incident “reckless and dangerous” and insisted that “law authorities will take the necessary action”. The protest was also criticised by the German national team, which lost to France 1-0. Spokesman Jens Grittner said: “We as the German soccer federation condemn it of course, because it wasn’t just him, but others that he endangered and injured. It’s unacceptable from our point of view.”

VW said: “Greenpeace put the life and limb of bystanders and fans of a football game at risk. That is not acceptable.”