Groundsmen at Manchester City's Etihad Stadium had to do battle with a persistent squirrel ahead of last week's Carabao Cup clash with Wolves.

The Daily Mail reported how shortly before kick-off, groundsmen spotted a grey squirrel by the corner flag and to the cheers of fans, they attempted to shoo it away with their forks.

They then spent eight minutes chasing the animal around the pitch as it weaved its way past all their challenges.

Eventually one groundsman grabbed hold of it – only for it to escape again when it bit his hand!

He yelped out in pain as the squirrel leapt back on to the turf and headed down the wing.

Staff eventually used rakes and shovels to shepherd it away from the pitch before the match started.

The elusive interloper was finally scooped up by one of the groundsmen wearing thick gloves who carried it away to safety.