A rat invaded the pitch during Wales’ 3-2 loss to Belgium, briefly halting play before Brennan Johnson chased it off.
Wales’ World Cup qualifier against Belgium was briefly halted after a rat invaded the pitch at Cardiff City Stadium on Monday night.
Referee Daniel Siebert stopped play in the 66th minute with Belgium leading 2-1 after the animal was seen running across the field. Home fans found humor in the strange moment as Wales forward Brennan Johnson chased the rodent off the pitch to loud cheers before play resumed.
The stoppage did little to change Wales’ fate, as Craig Bellamy’s men fell 3-2 despite a late strike from substitute Nathan Broadhead. Kevin De Bruyne netted twice — both from penalties — while Thomas Meunier added another for Belgium after Joe Rodon’s opener for Wales.
The defeat leaves Wales third in their qualifying group, four points behind Belgium and three behind North Macedonia, whom they face next month. With two games left, Bellamy’s side can still reach the play-offs via the Nations League route if results go their way.