Belgium’s World Cup clash with Senegal was brought to a halt when a number of pitch invaders stormed the Lumen Stadium in Seattle
The World Cup clash between Belgium and Senegal was briefly suspended as three protesters stormed the pitch.
The disruption saw security chase the pitch invaders before eventually ejecting them from the field of play. Those who breached the pitch are thought to be social media influencers.
They sprinted onto the turf at the Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington, in the 31st minute of the encounter.
At one stage up to five security personnel were pursuing one individual, who was finally tackled and apprehended after dashing off the pitch.
The pursuit led to several tumbles from the chasing security staff. It’s understood that a further two people were detained before they could reach the playing surface.
During ITV’s coverage, lead commentator Sam Matterface said: “We’ve got a social media prank which is going to cause a halt in play, and it is quite a dangerous situation because there are three or four young gentlemen who have decided to encroach on the pitch.
“They have been wrestled now, two of the three have. The third has evaded security staff, who are trying desperately to get hold of him. And eventually the protesters are removed.”
He added: “It has created yet another interruption. We haven’t had too many of those at the World Cup. We had several didn’t we at the Euros a couple of years ago, people coming on desperate to get selfies with big-name players.”
Live footage on ITV abruptly switched from the pursuit between the intruders and security, instead focusing on the reactions of players from both teams and providing broader views of the stadium.
Following a brief pause, play resumed swiftly with a drop ball. Belgium were striving to net an equaliser before the half-time whistle, a feat they ultimately failed to achieve.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
At that point, Senegal were in the lead 1-0, courtesy of Habib Diarra’s goal in the 24th minute.
The victors of the match will face either the USA or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 16 on 7 July.