PARIS (AFP) - The Stade de France was invaded by swarms of moths ahead of Sunday's Euro 2016 final between Portugal and France.

Hundreds of large black moths flew around the stands of the 80,000-capacity stadium north of Paris as well as by the pitch in temperatures which even hovered around 28 degrees Celsius.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo was seen swatting away several of the creatures as he warmed up while others swarmed around microphones, the corner flags and goal-posts.

"Unbelievable the pitch is full with moths" tweeted former Netherlands striker Ruud Gullit, attending the final as a television pundit.

The decision to leave the stadium lights on overnight ahead of the game may help explain the bizarre invasion.