da luck： Football really is a funny old game, with a match in Mexico having to be halted on Wednesday after a pitch-invading dog ran off with the ball!

da winzada777： Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Carnage towards the end of Liga de Expansion MX gameSecurity guards left chasing shadows on the fieldCanine pitch invader has a great timeWHAT HAPPENED?

The fixture in question saw Dorados – the club once managed by Argentine icon Diego Maradona – take in a trip to Alebrijes. The hosts were easing their way to a 4-0 victory when the game headed into stoppage-time.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

It was at that point that proceedings became rather chaotic, with a dog somehow making its way onto the field. With players seemingly reluctant to try and remove the four-legged invader themselves, the ball was tossed to the ground. Having been given an open invitation to get involved with some impressive dribbling, the dog in question duly picked up the ball and began a different kind of game.

DID YOU KNOW?

Security officials were quick to close on the canine, but they were outsmarted and outmaneuvered by a playful animal that was not about to give the ball back without a chase. With those in hot pursuit seemingly being taunted at times, it took longer than anticipated for the dog to be reined in as it casually trotted across the field with the match ball in its mouth.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

The game in question was eventually played to a finish, but not before another entry was added to the showreel of dogs interrupting proceedings during competitive sporting contests – with Alebrijes anointing said pooch as their "new best friend".