A protester parachutes into Allianz Arena before a UEFA EURO 2020 Group F soccer match between France and Germany on Tuesday in Munich, Germany. Photo by Lukas Barth-Tuttas/EPA-EFE
June 15 (UPI) -- UEFA announced Tuesday that "several people" were injured after a protester parachuted into Munich's Allianz Arena before France's 1-0 win over Germany in the Euro 2020 soccer tournament.
The parachutist appeared to glide into wires connected to an overhead camera that was attached to the stadium roof, causing debris to fall on the field and the main grandstand. Minor debris from the incident almost struck France coach Didier Deschamps, who was shown ducking into his team's dugout to avoid being hit.
UEFA said the demonstration was "reckless and dangerous" and noted that "authorities will take the necessary action."
"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 [the] hospital and law authorities will take the necessary action," European soccer's governing body said in a statement.
The incident took place right before the start of the Euro 2020 match between France and Germany -- the last two World Cup champions. The protester's yellow parachute had "Kick Out Oil!" and "Greenpeace" written on it.
The protester glided into the stadium and appeared to lose control after making contact with the wires. He steered away from the playing area toward the main grandstand and barely avoided the heads of fans in attendance.
The parachutist was able to land on the field and German players Antonio Rudiger and Robin Gosens were the first to approach him. The man was eventually led away by security officials and given medical attention on the side of the field.
On its website, Greenpeace says its organization aims to "defend the natural world and work for a green and peaceful future." The group previously has targeted UEFA and some of its top-tier tournament sponsors.
"UEFA and its partners are fully committed to a sustainable Euro 2020 tournament and many initiatives have been implemented to offset carbon emissions," the organization said Tuesday.
