The World Cup qualifier between Wales and Belgium was momentarily suspended on Monday night after a rat scurried onto the pitch at Cardiff City Stadium.
The incident occurred in the 66th minute with Wales trailing 2-1. Play had already been paused for an injured Belgian player when the rodent appeared, forcing substitute Brennan Johnson to shepherd it away from a camera operator on the touchline.
Social media users reacted with humour, with one dubbing the animal 'Joe Rodent' in a play on Wales defender Joe Rodon, who had scored the opening goal. Another user remarked, 'The rat was the best part of this game.'
Belgium went on to win 4-2, with Kevin De Bruyne scoring two penalties. The defeat severely dented Wales' hopes of automatic qualification for next year's tournament.
