Arsenal’s Carabao Cup last 16 match against Fleetwood Town was delayed for more than eight minutes after a drone was flown over the stadium during the match.
Referee Michael Salisbury halted proceedings with 1 minute and 40 seconds left at Arsenal’s Highbury Stadium after spotting a drone flying over the pitch as he waited to take a free-kick.
The game was suspended while the referee spoke to the management and staff on both benches, while the police investigated. A Sky commentator later said police had found the drone operator.
The match restarted with 10 minutes on the clock, with Fleetwood completing a famous penalty shootout.
During the delay, the players passed the ball around as they wanted to warm up, while the fans inside the stadium screamed.
After speaking with the managers and captains, the referee signaled the players who were unable to continue the game to come to the touchline.
However, just as the players were about to leave the field, a drone flew by and the game resumed shortly after. Later, the drone crashed in a local residential area.
Commenting on the match on BBC Radio 5 Live, Ian Dennis said: “What a shame. It’s the loudest game in the club’s history. In terms of profile and revenue, it’s very lucrative.”