Fleetwood-Arsenal halted for eight minutes because of drone
A Carabao Cup match between Arsenal and Fleetwood Town was briefly suspended after a drone was spotted flying over the stadium. Play resumed once the drone left the area and police located the operator.
Why it matters
The incident highlights growing security concerns regarding unauthorized drone usage at high-profile public sporting events.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Referee Michael Salisbury spoke to both sides as play was halted
Football reporter Published 34 minutes ago Arsenal's match with Fleetwood Town in the last-16 of the Carabao Cup was delayed for more than eight minutes after a drone was flown above the stadium during the match.
Referee Michael Salisbury stopped play with one minute and 40 seconds on the clock after spotting the drone flying above the pitch while Arsenal waited to take a free-kick at Highbury Stadium.
The game was halted while the referee spoke to the management and staff on both benches, with police also investigating.
The match got back underway with 10 minutes on the clock; the commentator on Sky saying police had located the drone operator.
During the delay, the players passed balls around as they attempted to stay warm, while supporters inside the stadium booed.
Also covering this story
2 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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