Drone halts Arsenal cup tie for eight minutes
In England’s League Cup, a drone, referred to as "Drohne", hovering over Highbury Stadium forced an eight‑minute stoppage after just under a minute of play, while Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta watched his side fall behind 1‑0 at half‑time to fourth‑tier Fleetwood Town in the early season.
Drone causes eight‑minute stoppage
Referee Michael Salisbury blew the whistle after just under a minute when the unmanned aircraft was spotted above the pitch. The officials, together with Arteta’s assistants, halted the game for several minutes. The German term "Nach" meaning "after" a minute was used in the original report.
BBC footage later showed the drone crashing into a nearby residential garden, confirming it had landed outside the stadium perimeter. The incident prompted security crews to clear the area before play could resume.
Arsenal match in the League Cup at Fleetwood halted due to drone
Underdog Fleetwood triumphs on penalties
At the break Fleetwood Town led the English champions Arsenal 1‑0. Arsenal equalised after the interval, but a red card for youngster Max Dowman sent the match to a penalty shoot‑out. Fleetwood prevailed 5‑3, sealing a shock cup victory.
The early exit dents Arsenal’s title ambitions for a season that had begun with high expectations. Arteta’s side will now regroup ahead of their next league fixture.