European rugby clash delayed as parachuter CRASHES into stadium roof before kick-off

Sale Sharks’ clash with was delayed by almost half an hour after a paratrooper got trapped in the stadium roof. The two sides squared off in France but supporters were subjected to an expected delay.

ended up losing 38-15, which saw their run in the competition come to an end. But there was drama even before the game got underway across the channel with the pre-match entertainment taking an unexpected turn.

As part of the build-up, three parachuters attempted to land in the stadium, with two of them landing successfully on the pitch. The third however got tangled in the overhead lights that were suspended from the roof.

As the ropes tangled he was left suspended above supporters in the stands, with stewards then rushing to clear fans. Staff and even the Toulouse mascot then rushed over to place tackle shields and post protectors underneath the trapped parachuter in order to provide an emergency crash mate.

An inflatable mat from a children’s game was then moved inside the stadium and strategically placed by a huge group of staff, while a fire engine then entered the corner of the ground. A cherry picker rose up to where he was tapped and freed the parachute, which was met with loud cheers from the crowd.

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And once that was done, the two sets of players re-emerged from the tunnel in order to undergo a second warm-up. Sale were still able to start fast and scored two first-half tries through Luke James and Jonny Hill, which gave them a half-time lead, but the European champions fought back in the second 40.

Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson said on Premier Sports: "They are all heart this group. I've had two lads come up and apologise and I said I'm not having it lads. There is nothing to apologise about, they gave it all tactically and mentally. I'm gutted, but you hurt and you heal and we'll be tighter for it.

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"We know we have to have more to win trophies but they put their bodies on the line for each other, I couldn't be prouder of the group, they showed real grit. We just need to be better in execution."

Sale captain Ben Curry added: "There were so many positives but that doesn't make it easier. They are an 80-minute team, we went toe to toe and beat them for 50 minutes but they have such a great 23. They got us in that last 30 minutes."

Sale will be aiming to get over their European exit in a fortnight’s time as they travel to . They currently sit fifth in the - 17 points behind current leaders - but still firmly in the hunt for a top four spot.