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Greenpeace has apologized and Munich police are investigating after a protestor parachuted into the stadium and injured two people before Germany’s game against France at the European Championship. The protestor used a powered paraglider with a motor attached to his back but lost control and hit overhead camera wires attached to the stadium roof, careening over the spectator’s head before he landed on the field ahead of Tuesday’s game.
Greenpeace spokesperson Benjamin Stephan apologized for the botched protest and the injuries caused. Stephan said, “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 Munich police stated, “The pilot injured two men during the landing approach. The injured were given medical care by the emergency services and taken to hospitals for further care.”
They further said, “There is no understanding whatsoever for such irresponsible actions in which a considerable risk to human life is accepted.” The protestor’s parachute had the slogan “KICK OUT OIL!” and “Greenpeace” written on it. UEFA said, “UEFA and its partners are fully committed to a sustainable Euro 2020 tournament and many initiatives have been implemented to offset carbon emissions.” UEFA defended its environmental credentials in this statement on Tuesday after the incident.