Fleetwood-Arsenal halted for eight minutes because of drone

Published27 October 2026

Arsenal's match against Fleetwood Town in the last-16 of the Carabao Cup was delayed for more than eight minutes after a drone was flown above the stadium while play was ongoing.

Referee Michael Salisbury stopped proceedings with one minute and 40 seconds on the clock after spotting the drone flying above the pitch while Arsenal waited to take a free-kick at Highbury Stadium.

The game was halted while the referee spoke to the management and staff on both benches, with police also investigating. A commentator for Sky later said police had located the drone operator.

The match got back under way with 10 minutes on the clock, with Fleetwood going on to complete a famous upset on penalties.

During the delay, players passed balls around as they attempted to stay warm, while supporters inside the stadium booed.

After speaking to the managers and captains, the referee signalled for the players to come over to the touchline with play unable to resume.

However, just as the players were about to leave the pitch, the drone flew away and play restarted shortly after. The drone then dropped to the ground in a local housing estate.

Commentating on the match on BBC Radio 5 Live, 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."

There were seven minutes of stoppage time added on to the end of the first half because of the delay.

Guidance from the Football Association on the action to be taken in such circumstances says: "Upon the sighting of a drone above a football pitch or stadium, the referee should stop the game and advise both team captains and managers that play will not continue until the drone has passed, or left the vicinity of the players and spectators."

The guidance adds that if the drone does not leave, both teams should be advised to return to their changing rooms. It also recommends that, when possible, advice from the home team's safety officer can be sought.

The English Football League (EFL) has had a policy on drones since the 2023/24 season which all clubs are aware of.

Under the protocol, in the event of a sighting, the club's safety officer will work closely with the police, match control room and match officials to assess whether the drone presents a risk to the public or is being used with criminal intent.

"As happened this evening, they work collaboratively to ensure that the drone is removed and the game restarted promptly and safely," the EFL said.

Related topics

Football

Arsenal

Fleetwood Town

EFL Cup

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