A group of kids who were playing a football match in southwest London were in for a shock when a fully antlered stag hopped over a fence onto the pitch to join in the fun.
The red deer, which jumped into the middle of the football game at Bushy Park Sports Club in Teddington, was captured in the moment by amateur photographer Giedrius Stakauskas on Oct. 9.
Alarmed by the unexpected intrusion, both teams were forced to pause the game as the fearless stag stalked around the pitch.
“I could see this stag walking around before he jumped onto the pitch. I heard the children starting to scream and some ran away,” Stakauskas said. “Many of the children playing and the people watching were amazed—stunned to see such an unusual sight.”
The photographer, who hails from Orpington, Bromley, England, believes that the stag was on the pitch for about 10 minutes, but isn’t entirely sure, as he was busy snapping pictures of the startling moment.
The game was resumed after their unexpected sub player wandered off into the trees.
