Ireland Vs England Security Scare As Pitch Invader Runs On And Joins Three Lions Team Line-up

ENGLAND’S clash in Ireland suffered a security scare just before kick-off.

A pitch intruder in a Three Lions‘ kit ran onto the pitch to join Lee Carsley‘s visiting team lining up – and had to be led away by officials.

GettyThis man got right out to the middle before being steered away[/caption]

AFPDeclan Rice declined to celebrate his England openeer[/caption]

Jack Grealish DID celebrate but perhaps in a muted fashionSportsfile

And it wasn’t the only awkward moment ahead of a dramatic start to the Nations League match at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium

England’s new interim chief Carsley, who won 40 caps for Ireland, initially headed for the WRONG dugout.

Three Lions stars Declan Rice and Jack Grealish – who have also played for the Irish at various levels – were also booed as they came out.

But Rice thumped England in front on 11 minutes from a loose ball.

However, he made a point of not celebrating – even putting his arms out with his palms down and looking blank-faced.

Earlier, the pitch invader had got as far as the England team as they linked arms yards inside the touchline minutes before the match got underway.

Three men then came up to steer him off as the national anthems continued.

He didn’t resist but appeared reluctant to go – putting his arms out at one stage in a questioning gesture.

He was then handed over to security staff on the perimeter.

Meanwhile, Carsley divided opinion by declining to sing the national anthem.

But he won many over with England’s quick start, with Rice netting from the pick of some lightning early counter-attacks.

Incredibly, it was Grealish who doubled England’s lead, sweeping home on 26 minutes.

The Manchester City playmaker DID run away to rejoice – with a jumping thump of the air – but it was perhaps a little muted.

Ireland vs England security scare as pitch invader runs on and joins Three Lions team line-up