There was an unexpected player on the field during the Major League Soccer (MLS) game between the Philadelphia Union and New York City on Wednesday night.
A raccoon invaded the field at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, halting play for more than two minutes. according to NBC News.
Video shared by MLS showed the animal running across the field toward the stands. The raccoon even stopped briefly in the field before continuing its tour of the field.
Apple TV commentator Callum Williams said during the broadcast: “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything as bizarre as this, especially given the amount of time he was on the field.”
“He moves very well in the center of midfield, so we need to find him the ball,” Williams said. (Related: Raccoon cuts drive-thru lineup, politely asks for donuts).
No, the raccoon highlights. 🦝 pic.twitter.com/n1weQHrmKe
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 16, 2024
Subaru Park employees can be seen rushing to the field with trash cans and trying to catch the raccoon. However, the stubborn intruder caused the players to chase them along the field while they watched on the sidelines.
“This is great entertainment. Come on, raccoon! You can run away,” Williams commented.
After multiple attempts, one staff member was able to trap the raccoon under a trash can, and other staff members made plans to carry the raccoon off the field, the video showed.
“Please don’t hurt him!” Williams yelled as the animal became trapped in the trash can.
Another staff member slipped an Adidas sign under the trash can and was able to knock it over without the raccoon escaping.
The raccoon was picked up by a local pest control company and released safely, the Philadelphia union announced. Said On Twitter.
According to NBC News, the Philadelphia Union lost the game 2-1. The team currently sits in 9th place in MLS.
