Drone halts Fleetwood-Arsenal cup tie for more than eight minutes

A drone interrupted Fleetwood Town's Carabao Cup last-16 match against Arsenal for more than eight minutes after flying above Highbury Stadium. Referee Michael Salisbury stopped the game with only one minute and 40 seconds played, according to BBC Sport's report by Alex Howell. Arsenal were waiting to take a free-kick when the drone was spotted over the pitch.

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Salisbury spoke with management and staff from both teams while the game remained paused, and police investigated the incident. Players continued passing balls during the interruption in an effort to keep warm. Supporters booed as the delay continued, with the cup tie unable to proceed while the drone remained in the area.

After consulting the captains and managers, Salisbury called the players towards the touchline. The drone subsequently flew away, allowing the match to restart with 10 minutes showing on the clock. The BBC reported that it then came down in a nearby housing estate. Seven minutes of added time were signalled at the end of the first half because of the interruption.

The BBC also reported that a Sky commentator said police had located the drone operator. That account did not establish whether any arrest or charge had followed. The broadcaster had approached the English Football League for comment, but its report did not include a response from the competition organiser or a detailed police statement about the operator.

Football Association guidance cited by the BBC instructs referees to suspend play when a drone is seen above a pitch or stadium. Captains and managers should be told that the game cannot continue until the device has passed or moved away from players and spectators. The guidance therefore places the immediate decision about stopping play with the referee.

If the drone remains, the FA guidance says both teams should be directed back to their changing rooms. It also recommends consulting the home club's safety officer where possible. At Highbury Stadium, the drone's departure allowed play to resume after the early disruption, rather than requiring the teams to remain off the pitch.