Bale stays benched as Wales lose in Macedonia

Gareth Bale was mysteriously left on the bench as Wales lost 2-1 to Macedonia in their World Cup Group A qualifier in Skopje.

The forward did get on to the pitch during half-time when he warmed up with his fellow substitutes and he was approached by an over-exuberant spectator who ran out from the stands.

Bale, who laughed off the incident, has not played since July and is also unlikely to feature for the full 90 minutes in Wales's next qualifier at home to Serbia on Tuesday.

Wales slipped to fifth in qualifying Group A, below Macedonia, and have no chance of reaching next year's World Cup finals in Brazil.