Fleetwood-Arsenal halted for eight minutes because of drone
Arsenal's match with Fleetwood Town in the last-16 of the Carabao Cup is delayed for more than eight minutes after a drone is spotted above the stadium during the match.
Key points
- Arsenal's Carabao Cup last-16 match at Fleetwood was stopped for over eight minutes due to a drone.
- Referee Michael Salisbury halted play with one minute and 40 seconds on the clock.
- Play resumed after the drone flew away, and Fleetwood won on penalties.
Arsenal's Carabao Cup last-16 match against Fleetwood Town was delayed for more than eight minutes after a drone was flown above Highbury Stadium during play. Referee Michael Salisbury stopped the game with one minute and 40 seconds on the clock after spotting the drone as Arsenal prepared to take a free-kick.
The referee consulted management and staff on both benches while police investigated. A Sky commentator later said police had located the drone operator. Play resumed with 10 minutes on the clock, and Fleetwood went on to win on penalties.
Delay and resumption
During the stoppage, players passed balls around to stay warm while supporters booed. After speaking to the managers and captains, the referee signalled for the players to come to the touchline, but just as they were about to leave the pitch, the drone flew away and play restarted shortly after. The drone then dropped to the ground in a local housing estate.
What a shame this has happened. This is the most high-profile game in the club's history.
— Ian Dennis
FA guidance on drones
Football Association guidance states that when a drone is seen above a pitch or stadium, the referee should stop the game and tell both captains and managers that play will not continue until the drone has passed or left the vicinity. If the drone does not leave, teams should be advised to return to their changing rooms, and the home team's safety officer can be consulted when possible. The BBC has approached the English Football League for comment.
