Drone Halts Arsenal's Carabao Cup Match Against Fleetwood

Arsenal's Carabao Cup tie against Fleetwood Town was interrupted for almost ten minutes on Tuesday evening when a drone was observed hovering over the pitch at Fleetwood's Highbury Stadium. The unusual incident occurred just minutes into the match as Arsenal prepared to take a corner.

Referee Michael Salisbury halted play, and the players from both teams engaged in passing drills on the field to stay warm during the unexpected delay. Officials were seen conferring with both managers, Fleetwood's Matt Lawlor and Arsenal's Mikel Arteta, before signaling for the players to leave the field.

According to reports, police were able to identify the operator of the drone, which allowed for the game to eventually resume. The total delay lasted over eight and a half minutes. The Football Association's guidance for referees states that matches should be stopped if a drone is spotted above the pitch. The rules stipulate that play will not continue until the drone has left the vicinity of the players and spectators. If the drone does not leave, referees are advised to send the teams to the changing rooms if possible. It is not within a match official's remit to dictate where drones can or cannot be flown.

Shortly after play restarted, Fleetwood took the lead in the fourth-round tie with a goal from Aaron Loupalo-Bi.