Drone halts Fleetwood's Carabao Cup tie against Arsenal

A drone forced an eight-minute stoppage early in Fleetwood's Carabao Cup meeting with Arsenal, with police investigating before the hosts went on to win on penalties.

Fleetwood Town's Carabao Cup victory over Arsenal was interrupted by a drone flying above Highbury Stadium, forcing referee Michael Salisbury to suspend play for more than eight minutes. The last-16 tie was less than two minutes old when the stoppage began, disrupting an occasion that eventually ended with the hosts celebrating an upset on penalties.

Arsenal were preparing to take a free-kick when Salisbury spotted the drone over the pitch and halted the match with one minute and 40 seconds showing on the clock. He consulted management and staff from both benches as police investigated. A Sky commentator subsequently reported that officers had found the person operating the drone.

Players tried to keep warm by passing balls between themselves while supporters booed the interruption. After discussions with the managers and captains, Salisbury directed the teams towards the touchline because the match could not continue. They were on the verge of leaving the playing area when the drone moved away, allowing preparations for a restart.

Play resumed with the clock at 10 minutes, and the drone later fell to the ground in a nearby housing estate. Seven minutes were added at the end of the first half because of the interruption. Fleetwood ultimately secured their place in the next round through a penalty shootout victory over Arsenal.

Football Association guidance requires referees to halt matches when a drone is spotted above a pitch or stadium. Captains and managers should be told that play cannot resume until it has moved away from players and spectators. If it remains, teams should be sent back to their changing rooms, with advice sought from the home club's safety officer where possible.

The EFL has operated a drone policy since the 2023/24 season. Its protocol brings together the club safety officer, police, match control room and officials to assess public safety risks and possible criminal intent. The league said that joint approach had been used at Fleetwood to get the drone removed and allow a safe restart.

Original reporting:BBC Sport