Drone Halts Carabao Cup Match Between Fleetwood Town and Arsenal

Referee Michael Salisbury halted the match. A drone hovered over the pitch. Players kicked a ball among themselves for five minutes, staying warm during the unexpected pause.

Max Dowman, 16, started for Arsenal. He had scored twice in the previous round.

Fleetwood Town then took a shock lead through Aaron Loupalo-Bi in the 21st minute, shortly after play resumed. Fleetwood did not recognize the drone, prompting an immediate inquiry into its purpose.

Police investigated the incident and located the drone operator. Fleetwood's assertion that the club did not recognize the drone adds a layer of intrigue to the ongoing inquiry.