In the 1986/87 season of the English fourth division the fight against relegation went down to the last matchday. With many teams within few points of each other, and all matches being played simultaneously, tensions were high.
Torquay United was playing at home against Crewe Alexandra down by 1-2. With relegation looming over the stadium the fans were at the brink of rioting so local police decided to bring out the German Shepherds to reinforce the access from the stands to the field.
With 7 minutes left Torquay defender McNichol was running down the wing when one of the dogs, who thought McNichol was about to attack a police officer, ran onto the field and bit the defenders thigh. It was a serious injury, the Torquay defender had to be subbed out and taken to the hospital.
This incident ended up being a blessing in disguise for the home team. The 5 minute halt was enough to let the other simultaneous matches end and allow Torquay United to know that they needed at least a tie to avoid relegation. Also, it allowed the players to rest for a little bit in order to attack during the extended extra time that they wouldn't have had otherwise.
The game resumed and Torquay got the result they needed: 2-2. The riot that the police was trying to avoid by brining in the dogs became a pitch invasion of joy. To this day Bryn, as the dog was known, is a legend and a hometown hero. Bryn even got a local beer named after him and the forgiveness of Jim McNichol despite his 17 stitches.