Raccoon interrupts Philadelphia v. NYCFC match in the most hilarious way!

Chester, Pennsylvania - Wednesday's MLS matchup between the Philadelphia Union and New York City FC was briefly interrupted by a furry field invader as one raccoon decided he wanted to be part of the action!

A raccoon charged onto the field of play during the MLS matchup between the Philadelphia Union and New York City FC.
A raccoon charged onto the field of play during the MLS matchup between the Philadelphia Union and New York City FC.  © USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

The game was stopped for around five minutes while stadium security hilariously chased the animal, trying to capture and remove it from the grass.

Despite lacking real pace, the raccoon showed some impressive footwork to evade the lumbering stadium staff, one of whom was trying to collect him in a plastic garbage can.

"At what point are we just rooting for him?!" AppleTV co-commentator and former Chicago Fire player Calen Carr asked.

Woman leaves dogs home alone for the first time – when she returns, she can hardly believe her eyes
Dogs Woman leaves dogs home alone for the first time – when she returns, she can hardly believe her eyes
Dog has slumber party with arch-enemy cousin, and it's as hilariously awkward as you'd imagine
Dogs Dog has slumber party with arch-enemy cousin, and it's as hilariously awkward as you'd imagine

The answer came from the bleachers as the Subaru Park chanted "Raccoon, Raccoon," while commentator Callum Williams also gave his backing to the unexpected star of the night, shouting: "Go on, raccoon!"

The Philadelphia Union said in a post on X that the raccoon had been "put in good hands" with a pest control company and then "safely released."

MLS, meanwhile, dubbed the raccoon "Raquinho" in a post.

"Unofficially, Raquinho the Raccoon spent 161 seconds on the field tonight, which was the most by a raccoon in @MLS history," the league quipped.

Cover photo: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

More on Animals: