Arsenal, Fleetwood Town, referee Michael Salisbury and Lancashire Police
27 October 2026
Arsenal’s Carabao Cup fourth-round match against Fleetwood Town was temporarily suspended for more than eight minutes after an unauthorised drone appeared above the pitch. The interruption occurred less than two minutes into the match at Fleetwood’s Highbury Stadium.
Referee Michael Salisbury halted play after spotting the drone and consulted both teams’ coaching staff. Players remained on the pitch while police investigated, with reports indicating that the operator had been located. Play resumed after the drone left the stadium area. Football Association guidance requires referees to stop matches whenever drones pose a potential safety risk. The interruption did not itself determine the match result.
Why It Matters
The disruption highlights the security risks posed by unauthorised drones at football stadiums.