Drone briefly halts Arsenal’s English League Cup tie with Fleetwood Town

Arsenal’s English League Cup match against Fleetwood Town was interrupted after a drone was spotted flying above the pitch at Highbury, forcing the players to leave the field and return to their dressing rooms.

Referee Michael Salisbury stopped play just two minutes after kick-off when the drone appeared overhead. The two teams initially remained on the pitch, passing the ball between them while they waited for it to leave the area.

However, the drone was still flying nearby about five minutes after it had first been seen. Following discussions with both managers, Salisbury ordered the players to go inside while the situation was dealt with.

Police identified the person operating the drone two minutes later, allowing the match to restart soon afterwards once the cause of the disruption had been removed.

The incident followed clear guidance issued by The Football Association regarding the use of drones around football grounds. According to British newspaper The Sun, matches must be stopped immediately when a drone is seen flying above a football stadium.

The guidance says the match officials should inform the two captains and managers that play cannot resume until the drone has left the area around the players and spectators.

If there is no indication that the drone is going to depart, the referee should, where possible, direct both teams to their dressing rooms. The procedure is compared with the arrangements used when weather conditions or other hazards require the pitch to be cleared.

The Football Association’s instructions also state that referees are not responsible for deciding where drones are legally allowed to operate. That responsibility lies elsewhere, although the guidance specifically prohibits drones being used for filming or media purposes above the playing area.

The restriction applies from the moment the players begin their warm-ups until they have left the pitch after the final whistle.