Drone Disruption Halts Arsenal’s Carabao Cup Match Against Fleetwood Town
Arsenal’s eagerly awaited encounter with Fleetwood Town in the last-16 of the Carabao Cup was paused for over eight minutes as a drone was spotted hovering above the stadium during play.
Referee Michael Salisbury brought the match to a halt with just one minute and 40 seconds remaining in the first half after noticing the drone while Arsenal prepared for a free-kick at Highbury Stadium.
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The stoppage allowed the referee to confer with management from both teams while police began an investigation into the drone’s presence.
Play resumed with 10 minutes showing on the clock, following confirmation from Sky commentators that authorities had found the drone operator.
During the delay, players kept warm by passing the ball to one another as discontent grew among supporters, who expressed their frustration with boos echoing from the stands.
After discussions with managers and team captains, the referee instructed players to head to the touchline as it seemed the game would not resume. However, just as players prepared to leave the field, the drone departed, allowing play to continue. The drone later landed in a nearby housing estate.
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Commenting on the situation during the match broadcast on 5 Live, Ian Dennis remarked on the unfortunate timing: “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.”
As a result of the interruption, the match had seven minutes of stoppage time added at the end of the first half.
According to guidelines from the Football Association regarding drone sightings at matches, referees are instructed to halt the game and inform team captains and managers that play will not resuming until the drone has left the area.
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The regulations also state that should the drone persist, both teams should return to their changing rooms while guidance from the home safety officer be sought whenever possible.
The BBC has reached out to the English Football League (EFL) for further commentary on the incident.
