Arsenal’s Carabao Cup match against Fleetwood Town in the last-16 was halted for over eight minutes, not by an injury or a VAR check, but because a drone decided to fly directly above Highbury Stadium while play was ongoing. This bizarre delay set the stage for one of the most talked-about upsets of the tournament.
Referee Michael Salisbury Had to Act Fast as the Drone Swarmed
Referee Michael Salisbury didn’t waste any time, stopping the game just one minute and 40 seconds into the clock. He spotted the drone hovering above the pitch as Arsenal was about to take a free-kick. Immediately, Salisbury spoke with the management and staff on both benches, and the police were also brought in to investigate the situation. Players tried to stay warm by passing balls around during the delay, while the fans inside the stadium were not thrilled, making their feelings known with boos.
Commentators were stunned, with Sky later confirming police had actually located the drone operator. Ian Dennis, on BBC Radio 5 Live, summed up the frustration, saying, “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.” Just as players were about to head off the pitch, the drone finally flew away, dropping to the ground in a local housing estate, and play resumed with 10 minutes on the clock. Seven minutes of stoppage time were added to the first half because of the whole ordeal. After all that chaos, Fleetwood went on to complete a famous upset on penalties.
The Rules Are There, But This Was Wild
The Football Association has guidance for exactly this kind of situation. It states that if a drone is sighted above a pitch or stadium, the referee should stop the game, advise captains and managers, and make sure play doesn’t continue until the drone is gone. If it doesn’t leave, teams should head back to their changing rooms. The home team’s safety officer should also be consulted if possible.
The English Football League (EFL) has had a policy on drones since the 2023/24 season, and all clubs are aware of it. Under this protocol, the club’s safety officer works with the police, match control room, and match officials to assess if the drone poses a risk or is being used for criminal intent. The EFL confirmed they work collaboratively “to ensure that the drone is removed and the game restarted promptly and safely,” which is exactly what happened this evening. This wild incident, leading to an incredible upset, certainly highlights the unpredictable nature of the beautiful game.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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