Greenpeace has apologised for the injuries caused by a protestor whose parachute landing “did not go as planned” before Germany’s game against France at the European Championship.
UEFA said “several people” were hospitalised when the man connected with overhead camera wires and caused debris to fall on the field and main grandstand.
Greenpeace spokesperson Benjamin Stephan says “that was never our intention. The paraglider was to fly over the stadium and drop a latex ball with a message of protest onto the field.”
The protestor’s parachute had the slogan “KICK OUT OIL!” and “Greenpeace” written on it.
Stephan says “technical difficulties meant the pilot was forced to land in the stadium. We deeply regret that this put people in danger and apparently injured two persons.”
The protestor was led away by security stewards.
UEFA called the action “reckless and dangerous” and said “law authorities will take the necessary action.”