Sport is used to getting invaded by rowdy fans who have had a few too many pints or the odd streaker or two, but there was a surprise visitor at the World Snooker Championship today (April 22) who ruffled a few feathers.
During the afternoon session at the Crucible in Sheffield, a pigeon flew into the main arena to take a perch and have a look at the action unfolding. The moment was caught on camera inside the iconic venue as it sparked pandemonium.
The feathered friend's arrival was greeted with confusion among the crowd as they wondered what was going on. But as soon as it became clear what had happened, a few laughs broke out.
The bird fluttered across both sides of the theatre before eventually decided to land on the table being used in the second round match between defending champion Mark Selby of England and China's Yan Bingtao. The latter was caught on camera have a good giggle to himself as the pigeon strutted around, seemingly unfazed.
Both matches that were going on at the time - Scotland's Stephen Maguire was taking on China's Zhao Xintong on the other table - had to stop while the bird was hastily chased out. It was left to Rob Spencer, who was the referee in the Selby v Bingtao match, to show the pigeon where to go and encourage it out of the room.
The moment also left the commentary box in hysterics. BBC commentator Rob Walker said: "Well I never. There is a pigeon, yes you heard that correctly, there is a pigeon in the Crucible theatre.
"We've seen some thing at the Crucible before, but we've never seen that."
His colleague and 1997 world champion Ken Doherty also laughed at the situation. The Irishman said: "We have got a pigeon in the Crucible. Have you ever seen anything like that?"
