Raccoon stops play in MLS

A raccoon on the right wing stopped play in the MLS match between Philadelphia and New York City on Wednesday.

With the game balanced at 1-0 to New York, players and fans were astounded when the animal evaded his markers and made a break into midfield. Operating in its preferred wide areas, the raccoon’s mazy run was eventually contained by a two-man defensive pod, using a dustbin. 

On television commentary, Callum Williams had a field day. “This is marvellous entertainment! Go on raccoon!” he said. As staff chased the raccoon with a bin, co-commentator Calen Carr dared vocalise what all wildlife fans were thinking: “At what point are we just rooting for him?!”