This is the dramatic moment football players dived for cover as a swarm of bees attacked their pitch.

The bizarre incident unfolded during a match between Penarol-AM and Taruma in the Amazonense Women's Championship in Itacoatiara, Brazil.

The game had reached the 79th minute when players from both teams suddenly threw themselves onto the ground to escape the uninvited creatures that had invaded the Floro de Mendonca Stadium.

Penarol's captain, striker Fabiola, said she had already scored twice to put her team ahead 3–0 and was the first to spot the insects.

Drawing from experience, she told her teammates - and even the opposing defenders - to get down and not run, shouting 'down, down' to avoid provoking the bees. The referee also followed suit.

Footage from the match shows players sprawled across the pitch while panicked fans took cover in the stands on Sunday, August 3.

No injuries were reported, and the match resumed after a five-minute break.

When play restarted, Penarol scored two more goals, sealing a 5–0 win and maintaining their perfect start to the Amazonense Women's Championship, with two victories from two matches.