Premier League clash between Southampton and Aston Villa paused due to overhead drone flying above St Mary's Stadium
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Updated 21/01/2023 at 16:29 GMT
Southampton’s Premier League game against Aston Villa was briefly paused due to a drone flying above St Mary's Stadium. Referee Michael Salisbury stopped the match in the 42nd minute as Villa prepared a free kick in Southampton’s half, and both teams returned to the changing rooms, with the game goalless. Ten minutes passed before the action continued.
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 21: Referee Michael Salisbury reacts as the game is paused due to a drone flying above the pitch during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Aston Villa at Friends Provident St. Mary's Stadium on January 21, 2
Image credit: Eurosport
The Premier League meeting between Southampton and Aston Villa was briefly paused in the first half due to a remote-controlled drone flying above the stadium.
With the match goalless at the time, Referee Michael Salisbury stopped the game in the 42nd minute as Douglas Luiz and Leon Bailey prepared a free-kick in Southampton’s half.
The players were sent back to the changing rooms for roughly ten minutes before re-emerging from the tunnel and picking up where they left off.
A number of players noticed the overhead drone, including goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez who left his goalmouth to notify the match officials.
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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 21: A drone is seen above the stadium, forcing the game to be paused during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Aston Villa at Friends Provident St. Mary's Stadium on January 21, 2023 in Southampton, England.
Image credit: Eurosport
Salisbury spoke to both team captains before it was decided the players would head inside.
An announcement to the spectators was made at the time, explaining that the players had to return to the changing rooms for their own safety.
Matches must be stopped due to a potential terrorism threat and for the safety of players and fans in the ground, as well as issues with illegal broadcasting.
A similar situation occurred at Brentford last season when the Bee's encounter with Wolverhampton Wanderers was delayed for 20 minutes.
That particular match only resumed once the drone had flown away.
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