VIENNA: Camels and llamas — and football? Oh my! A galloping group of circus animals sent players and spectators scattering when they staged a pitch invasion during a soccer match in Vienna being played by two under-15 girls’ teams. State broadcaster ORF reports that as the five Bactrian camels and eight llamas rushed on to the Astrofturf, the players and their fans hoofed it to the circus that had set up its tent nearby. The herd had apparently pushed over a fence to make its escape.

ORF said yesterday the animals were swiftly rounded up after they gave up trying to graze on the artificial surface. Sunday’s match then resumed and ended with a 2-2 draw.