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England's World Cup final with Spain was disrupted after an anti-Putin pitch invader wearing a 'Stop Putler' t-shirt was rugby-tackled to the ground by stewards wearing football boots.
The much-anticipated final in Sydney was briefly halted in the 26th minute as stewards rushed onto the pitch at Stadium Australia to escort the anti-war protester away.
The intruder, who was also wearing a face mask, was making a political protest against Russian tyrant Vladimir Putin - who launched an illegal invasion of Ukraine back in February 2022 and has attacked the country ever since.
The pitch invader was wearing a t-shirt which said 'Stop Putler' comparing the Russian despot to Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler. It also featured a photo of what looked like a portrait of Putin and Hitler merged into one.
On the back of the t-shirt it said 'Free Ukraine and featured the invaded country's national flag.
He was within touching distance of England star Lauren Hemp before being tackled to the ground by efficient security. There was a short delay as England waited to take a free-kick but the game got back underway soon after.
Minutes after the pitch invasion took place, the Lionesses went a goal down to Spain as they now look to fight back in the second half on their quest for World Cup glory.
The BBC's commentary team said that the pitch invader was 'dealt with swiftly', adding: 'They know their rugby round this part of the world, and that was a pretty decent tackle.'
It's understood that the stewards were wearing studded football boots to help with grip in the event of a pitch invasion - and it appeared to work. The man who intruded was wearing normal trainers.
This is a breaking news story. More to follow.
A pitch invader managed to disrupt play during the Women's World Cup final on Sunday
The individual was quickly apprehended by stewards and removed from the pitch
On the back of the t-shirt it said 'Free Ukraine and featured the invaded country's national flag
