Pitch-invading cat interrupts Istanbul clash

Importer

March 14, 2018 9:45 PM

No, the surprise guest on the pitch in the clash between the leading Turkish and German sides was none other than a humble Istanbul cat.

The second leg of the last 16 UEFA Champions League football match between Besiktas and Bayern Munich was in full flow in Istanbul when the referee brought a halt to proceedings due to an unexpected pitch invader.

An overly impassioned Turkish fan carried away by the deafening atmosphere in the Vodafone Park? A naked streaker braving the evening chill? Or a protester trying to use this big stage to make a point?

There are thousands of stray cats in Istanbul and they populate not just the back alleys but public buildings, concert halls and restaurants and accorded considerable respect.

And this four-legged friend decided to catch a glimpse of the Champions League.

The cat -- clearly a Besiktas fan -- scampered onto the pitch to the Besiktas goal in the 50th minute with Bayern 2-0 up.

Referee Michael Oliver stopped play as fans erupted in guffaws around the stadium. The cat then obediently pawed its way off the pitch after a minute and play could start again.

The cat's appearance failed to deter Bayern or bring Besiktas some feline luck.

The German side completed a comprehensive 8-1 aggregate victory in Istanbul, having effectively clinched the last-16 tie following a 5-0 rout last month in the first leg in Munich.

Importer

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