Fleetwood v Arsenal halted for eight minutes by drone
A League Cup last-16 football match between Fleetwood Town and Arsenal was paused for over eight minutes after a drone flew over the pitch. Fleetwood went on to win a surprise victory on penalties.
A Carabao Cup last-16 football match between Fleetwood Town and Arsenal was suspended for more than eight minutes after a drone appeared above the pitch. The Carabao Cup is England's League Cup. The tie was played at Fleetwood's stadium, and the winner advanced to the next round. Fleetwood completed a surprise win on penalties after the delay.
Referee Michael Salisbury stopped play after spotting the drone while Arsenal were waiting to take a free-kick. The clock showed one minute and 40 seconds.
During the delay
The referee spoke to management and staff on both benches, and police also investigated. A Sky commentator later said police had located the drone operator.
After talking to the managers and captains, the referee signalled for the players to come to the touchline, as play could not resume. Just as the players were about to leave the pitch, however, the drone flew away and play restarted shortly afterwards. The drone later dropped to the ground in a local housing estate.
During the stoppage, players passed balls around to stay warm, while supporters in the stadium booed. Play resumed with 10 minutes on the clock.
BBC Radio 5 Live commentator Ian Dennis said: "What a shame this has happened. This is the most high-profile game in the club's history. In terms of the profile and the revenue, it's so lucrative."
