An unusual scene in the Portuguese Liga on Saturday evening. In the 35th minute of the match between Estrela and Sporting Portugal, a cat suddenly ran onto the pitch, causing the match to be suspended for a few moments.
In the footage, the animal, clearly startled by the atmosphere in the stadium, races at full speed across the pitch and passes through the centre circle, while the players watch the scene with amusement. The referee logically stopped the match until the cat was safely removed.
Neither the origin of the animal nor its owner has been identified. The scene, filmed by the stadium cameras, quickly made the rounds on social media.
Portuguese outlet O Jogo described it as “a farcical moment” occurring in the 36th minute, while Maisfutebol called it “the highlight of the first half.”
The match eventually resumed, and Sporting Portugal won 1-0.
