European Football Championship
An unsuccessful protest action before the European Championship game between Germany and France on Tuesday in the Munich Allianz Arena has caused the initiator Greenpeace a lot of criticism. An activist hovered over the stadium with a paramotor, but stumbled and injured two people.
The man hovered over the stadium on Tuesday in front of the big group F hit, which world champions France ultimately won 1-0 for themselves, and tried to throw a large, yellow ball into the arena. He got caught in a steel cable construction on the stadium roof and went into a tailspin. It was only with great effort that he was able to prevent a fall into the stands and landed roughly on the grass. Nevertheless, two people were injured in the action. The activist was immediately taken away by two security forces after landing.
Greenpeace wanted to protest against the sponsor Volkswagen with the campaign. The environmental organization immediately apologized: “We are so sorry,” said Greenpeace. “We sincerely and emphatically apologize to the injured and hope that they will get better soon. We would also like to apologize to the players and spectators for the moment of shock,” wrote activist Benjamin Stephan on the homepage.
“As things stand, we have two injured men who have been taken to the hospital for further medical care,” a police spokesman confirmed on Tuesday evening. There was no information about the severity of the injuries. The activist was arrested, the police spokesman said. On the Greenpeace Twitter account it was said: “This protest never had the intention of disrupting the game or injuring people.” Greenpeace actions are always peaceful and non-violent. “Unfortunately, not everything went according to plan with this campaign.”
“No trivial offense”
In any case, Bavaria’s Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) announced severe consequences. “That will be dealt with precisely, these are clear violations,” he told Bayerischer Rundfunk on Wednesday. “This is no trivial offense.” Sharp criticism of the action came after the 0-1 defeat from the German Football Association (DFB). “We as the DFB condemn this action. The person has not only endangered and injured himself, but also others. From our point of view, that is unacceptable, ”said association spokesman Jens Grittner. The European Football Association (UEFA) also spoke of a “ruthless and dangerous action” that could have serious consequences for many people. “
Unsurprisingly, there was also criticism from Volkswagen, the target of the campaign. “With the protest action, Greenpeace put the life and limb of uninvolved spectators and fans of a football game in danger,” said a statement. That is not acceptable. VW is open to critical and constructive dialogue on environmental and sustainability issues and is clearly committed to the Paris climate agreement by 2050.
