Altogether, eight minutes went by without a ball being kicked, and the referee ultimately told the players to leave the pitch. Not long after that the game was resumed after the police intervened and located the drone operator.

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.

When it comes to drones above the pitch, FA guidelines state: "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.

"It is not within a Match Officials remit to dictate where a drone can/cannot be flown. Where drones are used for filming and media purposes, the drone must not fly above the playing area once players have entered the field of play to warm-up and until the players leave post-match having cooled down."