Overview
- Referee Michael Salisbury stopped play within two minutes of kick-off at Highbury Stadium after an unauthorised drone hovered over the pitch.
- Stadium staff and police cleared the airspace during an eight to ten minute pause while officials assessed safety and spoke with team staff.
- Officers located the drone operator on site, which allowed the referee to restart the match with a drop-ball/free kick.
- Twelve minutes after play resumed, League Two side Fleetwood Town took the lead through Aaron Loupalo-Bi in a notable cup upset moment.
- Authorities have launched an inquiry that could lead to penalties for the operator and may prompt closer scrutiny of stadium airspace and drone rules during live matches.