Chelsea launch investigation after bottle thrown at Villa bench following late defeat
Chelsea have opened an internal investigation and confirmed full cooperation with the Premier League after a bottle was thrown toward the Aston Villa bench moments after Villa sealed a dramatic 2-1 comeback win at Stamford Bridge.
The incident occurred immediately after the final whistle as Villa players and staff celebrated in front of the dugouts, with CCTV footage now under review to identify the individual responsible. Villa officials raised concerns on the night, prompting swift action from the home club.
The Premier League treats any incident involving objects thrown toward players or staff as a serious matter, regardless of whether injuries occur. Clubs are required to assist investigations by providing footage and internal support, with potential sanctions if standards around crowd control and safety are not met.
The game itself was played in a tense and charged atmosphere, with Chelsea leading for long periods before Villa steadily grew into the contest. Unai Emery adjusted his side from the bench, injecting urgency and pace that began to pin Chelsea deeper as the second half wore on.
Tempers flared late on as challenges increased and the technical areas became more animated. Villa’s belief grew with each attack, while Chelsea struggled to regain control after conceding momentum.
Chelsea struck first to take command of the match, but Villa responded after the break. Ollie Watkins, introduced from the bench, levelled the score before completing the turnaround with an 84th minute header that silenced the home crowd and sparked exuberant celebrations from the away dugout.
Villa’s substitutions proved decisive, with Watkins leading the line aggressively and stretching Chelsea’s backline. Chelsea had chances to steady themselves but failed to convert, allowing Villa to maintain pressure and dictate the closing stages.
Watkins’ winner brought an emotional release for Villa and visible frustration for Chelsea. As celebrations continued after the whistle, a plastic bottle, believed to contain water, was thrown from the area behind the Chelsea dugout, landing near the Villa bench and escalating tensions.
Chelsea’s cooperation with the Premier League underlines the seriousness of the situation, while Villa will aim to quickly move on and focus on the significance of a result that keeps their momentum going near the top of the table.