France and Germany went head-to-head in the 2020 UEFA European Football Championship on June 16, 2021 (Singapore time).

The match ended in a 1-0 victory for the French.

But moments before the match started, a protester parachuted into the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany.

He could be seen flying in and swinging dangerously close to supporters in the stands, before eventually landing on the football pitch.

Can't believe I just caught this on video. Parachuted into the stadium, got caught in the spider cam and nearly crashed into the crowd. Hope he's ok! #GERFRA #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/PJ49WYdFM9

— Max Merrill (@MaxMerrill_) June 15, 2021

"Several people" in hospital

In a statement to CNN, European football governing body UEFA said:

"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 hospital and law authorities will take the necessary action."

The Guardian reported that the protester "connected" with overhead camera wires, causing debris to fall onto the pitch and the main grandstand.

France’s head coach Didier Deschamps was also seen ducking out of the way of a large piece of equipment near the dugout.

The protester was also given medical attention after he landed on the pitch. Security subsequently escorted him away.

Greenpeace protester

The protester's parachute had a slogan written on it that said: "Kick out oil!"

'Greenpeace',  the name of an environmental organisation, was also written on the parachute.

Forced to land in stadium due to technical difficulties

Greenpeace spokesperson Benjamin Stephan has since confirmed the incident, according to The Guardian.

Stephan said that the parachuter was supposed to fly over the stadium and drop a latex ball with a message of protest on to the field.

However, due to "technical difficulties", the protester was "forced to land in the stadium".

"We deeply regret that this put people in danger and apparently injured two persons," added Stephan.

Wanted to protest against Euro 2020 sponsor

Greenpeace also explained on Twitter that the parachuter was aiming to protest against Euro 2020 sponsor Volkswagen and their dependence on cars that use fossil fuels.

The organisation added in German:

"This protest was never intended to disrupt the game or injure people. We hope everyone is fine and no one has been seriously injured. Greenpeace actions are always peaceful and non-violent. Unfortunately, not everything went according to plan with this campaign."

Dieser Protest hatte nie die Absicht das Spiel zu stören oder Menschen zu verletzten. Wir hoffen, dass es allen gut geht und niemand ernsthaft verletzt wurde. Greenpeace Aktionen sind immer friedlich und gewaltfrei. Leider ist bei dieser Aktion nicht alles nach Plan gelaufen.

— Greenpeace e.V. (@greenpeace_de) June 15, 2021

Top images from Max Merrill/Twitter.