Pussy Riot claim responsibility for pitch invasion during Russia World Cup final

Russian musicians and activists Pussy Riot have claimed responsibility for a pitch invasion during the World Cup final.

Stewards inside the Luzhniki Stadium were called into action in the second half of Sunday's showpiece between France and Croatia as four individuals ran onto the pitch.

The four were dressed in black trousers with white shirts and black ties, seemingly the uniform of Russian police officers, and emerged from behind Hugo Lloris's goal.

Referee Nestor Pitana duly stopped the game while the invaders were removed, with Russian president Vladimir Putin in attendance.

Shortly after the incident, Pussy Riot posted a lengthy message on social media with a series of demands for the Russian government.

The demands included the release of political prisoners, ending "illegal arrests at protests" and allowing "political competition in the country".

Pussy Riot have carried out a number of political stunts critical of the Russian government in recent years.