During the Premier League clash between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, a pitch invader was quickly apprehended by a steward using a tackle likened by fans to a professional wrestling move.
Players from both teams watched as the fan entered the field during the game before being brought down by a decisive move from a security staffer.
Spectators were impressed by the steward`s swift action, which occurred in stoppage time as Chelsea held onto their 1-0 lead.
Commentary on social media highlighted the tackle. One observer posted, “The best thing about this game is the pitch invader being speared by the steward. Proper prime Goldberg spear.”
This comparison referred to Bill Goldberg, the 58-year-old WWE Hall of Famer and five-time world champion, known for his powerful `spear` move.
Another fan commented on the intruder`s fate: “Bro got speared into a different species…. Unreal from the Steward.”
Humorously, one viewer joked about the tackler, suggesting, “I thought it was John Terry,” referencing the former Chelsea captain.
The incident was captured by TV cameras broadcasting the match live.
The intruder ran towards the center of the pitch, coming within close proximity of several players.
Manchester United substitute Manuel Ugarte reacted with surprise as the fan ran past him, and Chelsea`s Romeo Lavia also turned to see the disturbance nearby.
Within moments, two stewards closed in on the intruder.
When one steward launched the forceful tackle to bring the man to the ground, Chelsea winger Noni Madueke was watching the scene unfold.
The live television coverage quickly switched away, showing Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca instead.
Broadcasters typically avoid lengthy depictions of pitch invasions.
The brief hold-up lasted less than a minute before referee Chris Kavanagh signalled the end of the match.
Marcus Bellamy