Arsenal vs Tottenham delayed for six minutes after officials’ technical issues

The north London derby between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal was delayed for six minutes on Sunday due a technical issue with one of the match officials’ communication devices.

Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres fired a shot wide of Guglielmo Vicario’s post in the seventh minute of the game before referee Peter Bankes brought a halt to proceedings. The assistant referee on the far side of the Tottenham Hotspur stadium appeared to have issues with his communication and the game was paused for several minutes.

Bankes went over to explain the situation to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, whose side had started brighter and were in control of the game through the opening phases.

The match was eventually restarted with a goal kick in the 13th minute and eight minutes were added on in stoppage time at the end of the first half.

Sky Sports commentator Gary Neville described the situation as an “absolute shambles” on the broadcast.

“This is ridiculous, the whole game cannot stop just because of an IT issue — this is an absolute nonsense, one of the most important games of the season and the players all now have to reset,” said Neville.

“This is an absolute nonsense. One of the most important games of the season, fantastic start to it, really quick. And we’re now two or three minutes stopped, players having to sort of re-warm up again, reset. Absolute shambles.”

Eberechi Eze opened the scoring in the 32nd minute with his fourth goal against Spurs this season before Randal Kolo Muani scored the equaliser two minutes later.