Arsenal vs Fleetwood Town thrown into chaos as match delayed just two minutes after kick-off

Arsenal's Carabao Cup fourth-round tie against League Two side Fleetwood Town was temporarily halted just two minutes into the match at Highbury Stadium on Tuesday night. Referee Michael Salisbury stopped play after noticing a drone flying directly above the pitch. Following discussions with managers Mikel Arteta and Matt Lawlor, Salisbury instructed both sets of players to leave the field, which drew boos from spectators.

The stoppage lasted eight and a half minutes before the match was safely restarted, following official FA safety protocols regarding unauthorized drones. When play resumed, Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie headed a free kick delivered by Max Dowman over the crossbar in the first passage of action.