Arsenal's Carabao Cup tie away to Fleetwood Town at Highbury Stadium on Tuesday was halted for about eight to 10 minutes after a drone was spotted above the stadium. The match resumed once the drone had flown away.
Early stoppage at Highbury Stadium
Referee Michael Salisbury stopped play after spotting the drone while the game was ongoing, with the stoppage coming early in the match. Police were involved during the delay, while players passed the ball around as they tried to stay warm or maintain fitness.
Guidance from the Football Association on the action to be taken in such circumstances says: "Upon the sighting of a drone above a football pitch or 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."
BBC Sport details from the delay
BBC Sport says supporters inside the stadium booed during the delay. BBC Sport says just as the players were about to leave the pitch, the drone flew away and play resumed, and BBC Sport says the drone then dropped to the ground.
BBC Sport says there were 7 minutes of stoppage time added on to the end of the first half because of the delay.
Operator located, according to reports
GOAL says Fleetwood Town officials confirmed that the drone was not an authorised piece of equipment used by the club or the broadcasting teams.
GOAL says it was reported by The Sun that police informed the match officials they had located the operator of the device, which allowed the game to resume once the safety of the airspace was guaranteed. A Sky commentator later said police had located the drone operator, according to BBC Sport.
Arteta's pre-match comments
Before the match, the Gunners boss had emphasised the importance of respecting the opposition, stating: "Our reputation, our pride, everything is in play. So every time you play a football match, and especially against a team in a different division, respect the game, respect every opponent because they deserve that, and then try to win and try to play a bit better than them."
The Spaniard continued his assessment of the tie by highlighting the inherent dangers of cup football, adding: "We know the risk, and in football, things can get very equal the moment you are able to match certain things, and that's why our basics and habits have to be through the roof to be able to win the game."