The Euro 2024 semi-final between Spain and France was brought to a temporary halt when a spectator ran onto the pitch during the game on Tuesday. The pitch invader managed to circumvent security as he ran over towards France star Kylian Mbappe, with the referee forced to suspend the match.
The man sprinted past security and onto the pitch at the Allianz Arena, Munich, with around 58 minutes on the clock in the second half.
He ran over to Mbappe with a clear desire to take a selfie with the Real Madrid star.
Mbappe appeared to be baffled and unimpressed by his attempt to get a picture with him as he gestured for him to leave the pitch. A swarm of stewards, who were sitting pitchside, then ran onto the pitch to escort him away.
The man then found himself surrounded by security staff with Mbappe letting out a wry smile, seemingly not worried about the incident. But BBC pundit Jermaine Jenas, working as a co-commentator for the game, saw it differently.
The former England international, 41, hit out at the lax security measures and claimed there must be “specialised security” in place to stop pitch invasions from becoming a regular occurrence.
It is not the first time a pitch invader has brought proceedings to a halt in Germany this summer. Cristiano Ronaldo was approached by several pitch invaders during Portugal’s 3-0 win over Turkey.
Mbappe, who had removed the mask to protect his nose after sustaining a horrible injury in the first game, was unable to find the back of the net as France lost 2-1 to Spain this evening.
Two superb goals from Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo followed after Randal Kolo Muani’s early goal, with Mbappe squandering several chances to equalise for Les Bleus.