Leeds United vs Arsenal suspended 69 seconds after kick-off

Sunday's Premier League match between Leeds United and Arsenal was suspended just seconds after the match kicked off at Elland Road due to a power cut in the local area.

Referee Chris Kavanagh stopped play around 69 seconds after the start of the game because of a technical issue with his earpiece and microphone.

It subsequently emerged that a local power cut in Leeds had left Kavanagh without access to VAR, while the goal line technology system and TV feeds were also affected.

Kavanagh spoke to Leeds boss Jesse Marsch and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta on the touchline to keep them updated on the situation.

But after a delay of around 10 minutes without the issue being resolved, Kavanagh instructed the two teams to head back down the tunnel.

Sky Sports' Johnny Phillips tweeted: "A localised power cut at Elland Road stadium took the VAR truck out.

"It's back up and running, for now, and is being rebooted. Expected to be fixed within next five mins."

Leeds v Arsenal match suspension latest: VAR truck fixed and officials’ comms working. Referee Chris Kavanagh and officials coming out to test equipment now. #LEEARS pic.twitter.com/5Bt27TOwHe

— Johnny Phillips (@SkyJohnnyP) October 16, 2022

He later added a photo of the officials in the tunnel at Elland Road, alongside the caption: "Leeds v Arsenal match suspension latest: VAR truck fixed and officials' comms working.

"Referee Chris Kavanagh and officials coming out to test equipment now."

After those tests were successful, the two teams reemerged from the tunnel with play eventually able to resume at 2.40pm.

Arsenal travelled to Yorkshire aiming to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table.

They were one point ahead of closest rivals Manchester City ahead of kick-off, with the defending champions due to face Liverpool later in the afternoon.

Leeds, meanwhile, were hoping to end a run of five matches without a win in the Premier League.