A youth football match in Brazil was twice delayed due to an unusual pitch invader: a parrot. The incident occurred during a Brazil Under 15 Cup game on Saturday between Flamengo and Ceara.
Approximately 17 minutes into the first half, a blue-and-yellow macaw swooped down towards a Flamengo defender as he attempted to pass the ball. The player reacted by diving to the ground in apparent panic. The bird then appeared to approach another player before flying away. The referee halted the match due to the bird's interference.
The parrot returned about 25 minutes later, landing on the pitch and causing another stoppage in play.
The bird was identified as a blue and yellow macaw, a species native to South America's tropical rainforests.
Flamengo took an initial 1-0 lead in the match, but ultimately suffered a 2-1 defeat. The report notes that the unexpected delays may have impacted the team's performance.
Incidents of animal interference in football matches are rare but not unprecedented. Earlier this year, an amateur game in Turkey between Istanbul Yurdum and Mevlanakapi Guzelhisar was stopped when a seagull was struck by the ball. Players rushed to the aid of the injured bird, with the Istanbul captain reportedly administering CPR before the seagull received further treatment off the pitch.