Fleetwood-Arsenal halted for eight minutes because of drone

Arsenal’s match against Fleetwood Town in the last 16 of the Carabao Cup was delayed for more than eight minutes after a drone flew over the stadium during play.

Referee Michael Salisbury stopped play with 1 minute and 40 seconds on the clock after spotting the drone flying above the pitch as Arsenal waited to take a free-kick at Highbury Stadium.

The referee halted play to speak with management and staff on both benches, while police also investigated.

The match got back under way with 10 minutes on the clock. A commentator for Sky later said police had located the drone operator.

Players passed the ball around as they tried to stay warm during the delay, while supporters inside the stadium booed.

After speaking to the managers and captains, the referee signalled for the players to come to the touchline, as play could not resume.

However, just as the players were about to leave the pitch, the drone flew away and play resumed. The drone then dropped to the ground in a local housing estate.

Commentating on the match on 5 Live, Ian Dennis said: “What a shame this has happened. This is the most high-profile game in the club’s history. In terms of the profile and the revenue, it’s so lucrative.”

Seven minutes of stoppage time were added to the end of the first half because of the delay.

Guidance from the Football Association on the action to be taken in such circumstances says: “Upon the sighting of a drone above a football pitch or stadium, the referee should stop the game and advise both team captains and managers that play will not continue until the drone has passed, or left the vicinity of the players and spectators.”

The guidance adds that if the drone does not leave, both teams should be advised to return to their changing rooms. It also recommends that, when possible, teams seek advice from the home team’s safety officer.

The BBC has approached the English Football League (EFL) for comment.