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Rugby game delayed: parachutist hangs on stadium roof
A rugby match in Toulouse was unexpectedly delayed for 40 minutes after a parachutist became stuck on the roof of the stadium. The incident caused a stir and the fire department was called to the rescue.
Rugby game delayed: parachutist hangs on stadium roof
On Sunday, the start of a rugby match in France was delayed after a parachutist fell into the roof of the stadium before kick-off.
Incident before the game
The parachutist was part of a pre-game ceremony to bring the game ball onto the field. This event took place as part of the European Rugby Champions Cup match between Toulouse and English club Sale. After his colleagues landed safely on the field, an unfortunate parachutist caused the game to be delayed for 40 minutes.
Rescue operation in the stadium
The man, said to be a French army parachutist, had been following his colleagues during the jump when he quickly descended into the stadium and got caught on the roof. As he dangled above the bleachers, stadium staff rushed to get there - including the Mascot of the Toulouse team dressed as a lion – to create an emergency landing zone from the nearest air cushions.
The happy ending for the skydiver
Eventually, footage showed firefighters reaching the parachutist and bringing him down safely with a crane, prompting huge cheers in the Stade de Toulouse arena. It appeared the man was unharmed from the incident as he enjoyed the reception from onlookers.
Reactions and return to the game
European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), the organization that hosts the European Rugby Champions Cup, and Toulouse have been contacted by CNN for comment. EPCR Chairman Dominic McKay said in a statement Explanation on social media: "After the incident at the Stade de Toulouse, we would like to thank everyone involved in the stadium, the two clubs and the emergency services who brought the parachutist safely to the ground."
After the players initially went back to the locker room, they came back onto the field, where Toulouse ultimately won 38-15. The French team will now face RC Toulon in the quarterfinals.
Entertainment on social media
Toulouse posted a video on Instagram about the pre-match drama in which they joked: “We know that places sell out quickly, but it doesn’t work that way.” They also thanked the emergency services for their determined efforts.