Animal rights activists invaded the field during a FIFA Club World Cup game in Philadelphia, while fans released smoke flares onto the pitch, leading to chaos and a dangerous atmosphere during the match between Manchester City and Wydad AC.
The match, between Manchester City of the Premier League and Wy, saw protesters swarm the field with signs demanding an end to animal cruelty in Morocco. One protester, wearing a PETA shirt, ran onto the pitch before being escorted out by security. PETA claimed that homeless cats and dogs in Morocco are being shot, poisoned, and left to die, despite the government’s efforts to implement a ‘Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate and Return’ program for stray animals.
The situation escalated when Wydad fans threw smoke flares and fire crackers onto the field, creating a dangerous environment. A flare behind Manchester City’s Ederson caused a brief stoppage in the second half. Phil Foden scored early, leading City to a 2-0 victory, while Rico Lewis received a red card later in the game.