Wales’ World Cup qualifier against Belgium was disrupted by a furry pitch invader.
The match had to be paused during the second half after a rat ran onto the pitch at the Cardiff City Stadium.
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Brennan Johnson was forced to chase a rat off the pitch during Wales’ clash with BelgiumCredit: AFP
Belgium had been leading 2-1 in the 66th minute when play was stopped by referee Daniel Siebert.
The rat was quickly spotted by the TV cameras as it trotted across the playing surface.
Despite their side trailing, the home fans were able the see the funny side of the bizarre incident.
There were considerable cheers as Brennan Johnson ushered the animal off of the pitch so the match could resume.
Fortunately, the action had only been suspended for a matter of moments whilst the rat was removed.
It came as Craig Bellamy’s side suffered a blow to their hopes of qualifying for next summer’s World Cup.
Despite taking an early lead through Joe Rodon, the hosts found themselves behind at half time.
Kevin De Bruyne’s 18th-minute penalty was followed by a strike from Thomas Meunier just six minutes later to give Belgium the lead.
The former Manchester City man then added a third with another spot-kick during the closing stages to seemingly seal all three points.
Wales would pull a goal back before the start of nine minutes of added time, though, through substitute Nathan Broadhead.
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The furry fiend caused the match to be suspended after sprinting across the pitchCredit: Getty
However, any hopes of a comeback were dashed almost immediately by Leandro Trossard.
Wales World Cup blow
The result leaves Wales third in their group and four points behind leaders Belgium with two matches remaining.
Only the group winners automatically qualify for next summer’s World Cup finals, with the runners-up entering the play-offs.
Bellamy was handed a boost in the other match in their group on Monday night, though.
North Macedonia were held to a 1-1 draw by Kazakhstan, leaving them just three points ahead of Wales in second.
The Dragons have a game in hand on North Macedonia heading into next month’s international break.
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Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was unable to apprehend the rat before Johnson chased it off the pitchCredit: Getty
Wales can leapfrog their rivals for the play-off berth when they visit Liechtenstein on November 15.
They then host North Macedonia in Cardiff three days later in their final World Cup qualifier.
Even if Wales fail to go above their matchday eight opponents, however, they could still secure a play-off spot.
Their performance in the Nations League last year currently has them on course to join the 12 runners-up in the next phase of qualifying.