The Thursday Night Football matchup between the Packers and Panthers was stopped in its tracks after an unauthorized drone breached the perimeter of the stadium.

The bizarre circumstances unfolded in the third quarter and led to widespread confusion, with the referee immediately calling a halt to proceedings and boos ringing around the stadium.

Amazon Prime's broadcast then cut to a commercial break, while both sets of players were called to the sideline.

When the commercial break ended a few moments later, the players were still awaiting further instructions from the officials, as the NFL desperately tried to remove the drone from the vicinity.

On social media, fans were left perplexed, with one writing on X: 'Are we seriously stopping a football game because of a drone?'

Another added: 'Get the snipers on the drone, take that baby down.'

Multiple other viewers even came up with a bizarre theory that the drone pause was an elaborate ploy by the Packers to buy time for star wide receiver Christian Watson.

The team's WR1 had earlier been transported to hospital for precautionary tests on a suspected chest injury, though it had been revealed that he was en route back to the stadium to continue playing.

It would, therefore, have been convenient for the game to be paused, allowing him more time to return. There is, of course, nothing to suggest this was the case.  

After a few more minutes of stoppage, the Packers were finally allowed to continue their drive, with running back Josh Jacobs scoring his second touchdown of the night to extend the lead.