Speaking on Sky Sports commentary, Peter Drury remarked: "Word now is that the drone has disappeared. Whether it's just teasing us... The clock keeps ticking. We've had seven and a half minutes since a ball was last kicked in anger.

"The police have intervened and there is word they have located the operator of the offending drone and therefore everything appears to be back under control. Thank heavens for that!"

When it comes to drones above the pitch, the FA enforce strict guidelines. The rulebook states: "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. Where appropriate speak to the safety officer of the home team to take their advise on the matter.

"If the drone is not passing or appearing to leave, where possible the Referee should advise both teams to return to the changing room, similar to if there was lighting. At grounds where this is not possible (open playing fields, public parks etc.), the Referee continues to wait until the drone has left.

The incident happened when the game was goalless, but it was Fleetwood who reacted strongest after the impromptu stoppage. Fulham loanee Aaron Loupalo-Bi broke in behind the visitors' backline and slotted home the opening goal of the game 21 minutes into the contest.

Viktor Gyokeres did drag Arsenal back into the contest after the restart, but the away side were reduced to 10 men late on when Max Dowman saw red. Fleetwood managed to hold on until full-time and won the tie on penalties.