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Pitch invader tries to hug Real Madrid players during their 3-1 win over Kashima Antlers in a Club World Cup semi-final
(Image: Twitter/Brandon Clarke)

VIDEO: Pitch invader gives unwanted hugs to Real Madrid players in Club World Cup semi-final

Cheered on by the crowd as he interrupted game in Abu Dhabi despite heavy security presence.

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https://twitter.com/kiwibardy/status/1075456426204676097

A pitch invader appeared to identify which players he wished to hug and then ran at them during Real Madrid’s defeat of Kashima Antlers in the Club World Cup.

The Spanish and Japanese teams are taking part in the competition being held in the United Arab Emirates and faced each other in the semi-final at Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Friday night.

https://twitter.com/mertvasit1/status/1075455473699221506

Despite a heavy security presence at the sports complex in the capital city, one man was able to get onto the pitch, cheered on by the crowd.

The pitch invader slipped as he reached the first player he wanted to hug, Karim Benzema, before Marcelo started backing away when he realised he would be the next target.

https://twitter.com/FIFAcom/status/1075473864434638848

Stewards eventually extricated the Real Madrid left back from the man and escorted him away.

The match finished Kashima Antlers 1-3 Real Madrid after a late consolation goal followed a Gareth Bale’s hat-trick for the Spaniards.