Drone stops Europa League game in Luxembourg

Drone stops Europa League game in Luxembourg
Soccer Football - Europa League - Group A - F91 Dudelange v Qarabag - Stade Josy Barthel, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg - October 3, 2019 General view as a drone flies over the pitch interrupting the match REUTERS/Francois Walschaerts Copyright FRANCOIS WALSCHAERTS(Reuters)
Copyright FRANCOIS WALSCHAERTS(Reuters)
By Reuters
Share this articleComments
Share this articleClose Button

(Reuters) - A drone forced a temporary halt to play during the first half of F91 Dudelange's Europa League Group A clash at home to FK Qarabag on Thursday.

Azerbaijan side Qarabag were leading 2-0 when the drone, carrying a flag, was spotted flying over the pitch at the Josy Barthel stadium, forcing the match officials to suspend play for around 15 minutes.

According to reports the flag was that of the Republic of Artsakh -- a de facto independent state with an Armenian ethnic majority that is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan. Armenia and Azerbaijan have fought several conflicts over the region.

In bizarre scenes Qarabag players tried to down the invading craft by kicking the ball at it.

Shortly after play resumed Qarabag increased their lead from the penalty spot and went on to win 4-1.

(Reporting by Martyn Herman, editing by Pritha Sarkar)

Share this articleComments

You might also like

WATCH: What does the future of Asian football look like?

Judo-loving Tajikistan is victorious at its first-ever Grand Prix in Dushanbe

Uzbekistan's International Conference puts regional connectivity on the agenda