Fleetwood vs Arsenal delayed as players taken off the pitch after drone spotted above

Arsenal's Carabao Cup clash was halted for almost nine minutes when a drone was spotted above Fleetwood Town's Highbury Stadium after kick-off. The players were brought off the pitch in the eighth minute after the match, after the game was paused in the opening phases.

Referee Michael Salisbury explained the delay to both managers, while the crowd could only boo as the faint lights from the drone glimmered in the Sky. It appeared the delay was about to become more significant when the official gestured for both teams to depart the pitch following an initial pause, but the problem was soon rectified.

Police intervened and identified the operator to regain control of the game in the 10th minute.

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FA guidance says that referee's must pause a match if a drone is spotted above a pitch or stadium. "Upon the sighting of a drone above a football pitch/ stadium, the Referee should stop the game and advise both team captains and managers that play will not continue until the drone has passed, or left the vicinity of the players and spectators," the guidance reads

"Where appropriate speak to the safety officer of the home team to take their advise on the matter."

Three other criteria dictate the official's actions:

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Mikel Arteta chose a young lineup for the trip to Fleetwood Town for the Carabao Cup. Marli Salmon, 17, started in the centre of defence alongside Cristhian Mosquera. Star youngster Max Dowman also started the game from the outset on the right, with Ceadach O'Neill making his Arsenal debut on the left.

Illan Meslier also came into the side to make his Gunners debut, with David Raya rotated out of the squad for the evening.

It was Fleetwood's Aaron Loupalo-Bi who made the fastest impression, however. The 20-year-old, on loan from Fulham, withheld Salmon's challenge and fired through the legs of Meslier to give the home side the lead after 21 minutes.

Ahead of the game, Arteta said his team must respect the League Two side. "Show them the Arsenal shirt and what we represent and that's it," he said.

"We need to go there and win the game. That's it. It's very simple.

"Our reputation, our pride, everything is in play. So every time you play a football match, especially against a team in a different division, respect the game and respect every opponent because they deserve that. Then try to win and try to play a bit better than them."