Arsenal match in the League Cup at Fleetwood halted due to drone

At Highbury Stadium in Fleetwood a drone suddenly hovers over the pitch during the round of 16 of the English League Cup between Fleetwood Town and Arsenal FC. After just under a minute, referee Michael Salisbury stops the game to assess the danger.

Interruption and Duration

The referee stopped play after noticing the unauthorized drone over the pitch. According to one report the interruption lasted seven minutes, another report mentions eight minutes before the match resumed.

The incident also involved German international Kai Havertz, who was on the field for Arsenal when the aircraft appeared over the stadium. Havertz had to pull himself together as the game stood still.

The British broadcaster BBC reported that the drone subsequently crashed in a nearby residential area. The incident raised concerns among local residents and security personnel.

Consequences and Follow‑up

At the time of the pause, fourth‑tier side Fleetwood Town were surprisingly leading 1‑0 against the English champions Arsenal. The underdog had taken the lead before the match resumed after the interruption.

Spectators in the stadium watched in amazement the small remote‑controlled device hovering over the field. Security staff and the police examined the situation while the players returned to the bench to maintain their fitness.

Authorities have already opened an investigation to identify and sanction the person responsible for the unauthorized flight.

After the aircraft left the airspace of Highbury Stadium, referee Salisbury allowed both teams back into play. Short warm‑up exercises kept the players ready, and the duel then continued as normal.