Southampton and Aston Villa stars FORCED OFF and game delayed after DRONE is flown over pitch in chaotic scenes

A DRONE stopped play in the Premier League fixture between Southampton and Aston Villa.

The remote-controlled aircraft was spotted in the 40th minute of the match.

GettyPlay was stopped due to the drone[/caption]

GettyIt was spotted flying above the pitch[/caption]

GettyReferee Michael Salisbury paused the game after spotting the drone[/caption]

The referee halted the game and ushered the players off the pitch.

The game was delayed with fans being asked to wait until the situation is dealt with.

The Saints and Villa players were eventually called back out to resume the first half.

The game was tied at 0-0 after Southampton has a Kyle Walker-Peters’ goal ruled out for offside.

Despite the long pause due to the drone overhead, only two minutes were added to the end of the first half as the clock had been stopped from when the players left the pitch.

Play then resumed as normal for the second half.

The game had failed to thrill fans who took to social media to discuss the drone, one tweeted: “The classic ‘fly a drone on to the pitch to force play to be suspended’ defensive move from Southampton.

“Ballsy but effective.”

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A second commented: “Drone coming to save Southampton.”

A third said: “The game between Southampton and Aston Villa has been paused due to a drone flying above the stadium.

“Villa fans are chanting to the drone, ‘You’ve only come to see the Villa’.”