Arsenal’s first‑round Carabao Cup clash with Fleetwood Town was interrupted for almost eight minutes when a drone was spotted hovering over Highbury Stadium. The Premier League champions were awarded a free kick in the second minute of the match when referee Michael Salisbury saw the aircraft and halted play. The pause drew boos from some Fleetwood supporters before the game resumed in the tenth minute, with the score still level at 0‑0.
Salisbury consulted the stadium safety officer and then spoke with both managers and a handful of players before the match restarted. The drone had disappeared from view, allowing play to continue. The incident marked a rare interruption in a game that is already the most significant in Fleetwood’s 15‑year history as a Football League club, being the furthest the club has advanced in the Carabao Cup.
The match, which was the first round of the competition, saw Arsenal dominate early but failed to score before the delay. The stoppage did not alter the flow of the game, and Arsenal went on to win the match, although the article does not provide the final score. The incident highlighted the growing issue of drones at sporting events, prompting discussions about security protocols for future fixtures.
Fleetwood’s manager and players expressed frustration over the interruption, but the club’s officials emphasized the importance of safety and compliance with league regulations. Arsenal’s coaching staff reiterated their focus on the match outcome and the need to maintain concentration after the unexpected pause.
The Carabao Cup match will continue with Arsenal advancing to the next round, while Fleetwood will reflect on their historic run. The league is reviewing its drone‑control policies to prevent similar disruptions in upcoming matches.