THE Women’s World Cup final was momentarily interrupted by a pitch invader in the 24th minute.
Stewards rushed to tackle and remove the unwanted intruder.
GettyA pitch invader was able to momentarily get past security before falling over[/caption]
GettyThe pitch invader was quickly seized by security[/caption]
GettyThe intruder wore an anti-Putin T-shirt[/caption]
GettyThe protester was rugby tackled to the ground[/caption]
The match was quickly able to resume following the momentary delay.
Tweeting from the game at Stadium Australia, one fan wrote: “pitch invader. the bloke got past security and was running straight at lauren hemp … only to fall over his own feet allowing the guards to jump him. couldn’t see what was on his shirt.”
The pitch invader is believed to have been protesting against Russian president Vladimir Putin.
They wore a T-shirt featuring a picture of Putin, with the message: “Stop Putler.”
The back of their black T-shirt was adorned with the Ukraine flag, and the slogan: “Free Ukraine.”
Describing the incident, BBC commentator Robyn Cowan said that it had been “dealt with swiftly.”
Co-commentator Rachel Brown-Finnis then added: “They know their rugby around this part of the world – not a bad tackle.”
The score was level at 0-0 when the incident occurred.
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
Five minutes later, Spain took the lead.
The Lionesses had struck the crossbar via Lauren Hemp.
But it was Olga Carmona’s low drive arrowed into the bottom corner that drew first blood in the match.
Spain vs England LIVE – Latest updates from Women’s World Cup final