A playful dog ran onto a football pitch and chased the ball in front of astonished players.

The pooch bounded onto the turf during a game at a university in Khon Kaen, northeast Thailand, on February 22.

It was watching from the sides but came running to catch the ball when one of the student athletes kicked it away.

Footage shows the excited pooch dashing across the field to chase the ball. Another player followed the dog, and the pooch backed away to return it to the youngsters.

Bass Supalerk, who watched the game with friends, said: ‘The cute dog wanted to play too. He didn't interrupt them after that and just kept a distance from the sidelines.'

Other students who went to cheer for their schoolmates giggled at the adorable pooch.

Bass added: ‘He had more fans than the players. It was fun watching him.'