Virtual NBA fan enjoys match with pet goat as basketball return takes strange turn

A SURPRISE baa-sketball fan milked the attention after being caught by TV cameras in the VIRTUAL stands as it avidly watched a crucial NBA play-off game.

The pet goat was shepherded into see the New York Pelicans lock horns with Washington Wizards – from the safety of special TV monitors around the court.

ESPN posted a clip of the hairy hoops fan sitting on the lap of a human friend, looking not at all sheepish.

And as sporting “crowds” return to the USA in a unique technological way, the video caption stressed reassuringly: “In case you didn’t know … pets are allowed in the virtual stands of the NBA bubble.”

In fact, the audience rules to keep matches behind closed doors, yet make the experience more realistic and help stop coronavirus spreading were certainly not made up on the hoof.

Around 320 fans can watch each play-off game in virtual stands, via Microsoft Teams.

The Pelicans seemed the more inspired, winning 118-107 to stop the Wizards from progressing through the play-offs.

And goat being allowed to watch gave a new slant to the debate over whether Covid-19 restrictions amount to a nanny state.

On the court, Jrue Holiday never gave the Wizards a break as he notched 28 points and six assists.

But unfortunately there was no playing cameo from the furry, four-legged fan on the side.

Maybe he could have come on and thrown a few hoops to audition for America’s Goat Talent.