The match between Arsenal and Fleetwood Town was interrupted for about eight minutes after an unauthorised drone flew over the Highbury stadium, forcing the referee to stop the game for safety reasons.
An unusual incident marked the match between Arsenal and Fleetwood Town, as the presence of a drone over the Highbury stadium caused the game to be halted just four minutes after the first whistle.
Referee Michael Salisbury noticed the flying device and, for safety reasons, decided to stop play immediately. After consulting with the coaches and stadium officials, the referee asked both teams to temporarily leave the pitch and return to the dressing rooms.
According to preliminary information, the drone did not have the necessary authorisation to fly over the sports venue. The situation required the intervention of the authorities, who had to ensure that the match could continue without endangering the players and the fans in the stands.
The interruption lasted about eight minutes. After the drone left the stadium area, the footballers returned to the pitch and the match resumed normally. The incident created moments of surprise for those present, adding an unusual episode to a game that was also marked by the surprise elimination of Arsenal by Fleetwood Town, according to initial reports.
A drone stops play at the Highbury Stadium. pic.twitter.com/TvjNjjACFM
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) October 27, 2026