A skydiver had a lucky escape after colliding with advertising hoardings before a football match in the Netherlands.
Dutch side Go Ahead Eagles had planned a spectacular start to the new domestic season by having the match ball delivered by skydivers ahead of their opening match against Willem II. A team of parachutists landed at De Adelaarshorst stadium before kick off.
While most landed without incident, one parachutist came dangerously close to suffering injury. Having dropped into the stadium at speed, he proved unable to slow himself to a halt on the playing surface and was captured on television drifting towards one of the goals.
Crash into the hoardings
The man avoided colliding with the goalframe by quickly pulling in his parachute to reduce his speed. He still struck a stanchion behind the goal and the advertising hoardings, though by then his speed had reduced.
Fans cheered after the parachutist got back to his feet and signalled to the crowd that he had avoided injury.
ESPN's commentator said: "Ooh, that didn't land very well. The first injury of the season is a fact. Not of a player, but a parachutist."
Eagles win despite the scare
After the pre-match scare, Go Ahead Eagles made a dominant start to the new Eredivisie season. Despite falling behind early, the hosts stormed back to earn a 4-1 victory over newly promoted Willem II.
