Arsenal match at Fleetwood Town delayed by drone overhead

The Carabao Cup last-16 match between Fleetwood Town and Arsenal was delayed for more than eight minutes on Tuesday after a drone was spotted above Highbury Stadium. Match referee Michael Salisbury halted play early in the first half while the drone flew over the pitch. [1]

BBC Sport reported that Salisbury stopped the fixture with one minute and 40 seconds on the clock. Arsenal were waiting to take a free-kick when the referee noticed the device above the playing area and paused proceedings. [1]

During the stoppage, the referee consulted with management and staff on both team benches. Local police initiated an investigation into the incident while play remained suspended. [1]

According to BBC Sport, a Sky commentator later stated that police officers had located the drone operator, allowing the match to resume after the eight-minute delay. [1]