Man held over drone flight at Manchester City stadium
A man has been arrested after a drone was flown over Manchester City’s home game with Tottenham Hotspur.
Greater Manchester Police said the 41-year-old man, from Nottingham, was arrested in the nearby Asda car park.
The drone was spotted flying over the East stand of the Etihad Stadium during City’s 4-1 victory on Saturday.
A GMP spokesman said the man was arrested on suspicion of breaching the Air Navigation Order and released on police bail for eight weeks.
Ch Insp Chris Hill, said: “The drones could pose a threat to crowd safety and potentially cause alarm in crowded areas.
“Even small drones can weigh up to seven or eight kilograms and could cause damage or injury if they fall from height. Thankfully, no-one was hurt.”
He added: “People may see this as a minor offence but it is a breach of the Air Navigation Order, which is prosecuted by the Civil Aviation Authority.”
On 14 October, a European Championship qualifier between Serbia and Albania was abandoned after a drone flew over the stadium carrying a flag emblazoned with a black eagle, the symbol for Greater Albania.
It prompted scuffles among players and fans on the Partizan Stadium pitch.
