Chelsea Football Club has pledged to investigate an unsavoury incident that marred the conclusion of their 2-1 home defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday. The visitors reported that a plastic water bottle was launched at their substitutes' bench in the immediate aftermath of the final whistle.
Incident Mars Dramatic Villa Comeback
The match at Stamford Bridge had reached a fever pitch after Ollie Watkins came off the bench to score two second-half goals, overturning Chelsea's lead and sealing a dramatic victory for Unai Emery's side. The winning header in the 84th minute triggered wild celebrations on the Villa bench, with manager Emery visibly jubilant.
It was in this heated atmosphere, just after the whistle, that the incident occurred. Photographs clearly show the bottle in flight, and it is reported to have showered Villa players and backroom staff. A member of Villa's team indicated they saw where the projectile originated, though the culprit remains officially unidentified.
Chelsea Launch Immediate Probe
Chelsea have confirmed they are taking the complaint seriously and have launched an investigation. The club is understood to be fully cooperating with Villa and the Premier League authorities and is deeply unimpressed by the actions of one individual.
CCTV footage from Stamford Bridge is expected to be pivotal in identifying the person responsible for throwing the bottle. Both the Premier League and the Football Association have been approached for comment on the matter.
Post-Match Tensions Extended Beyond Incident
The unrest following the final whistle was not confined to the bottle-throwing episode. Chelsea star Cole Palmer showed visible frustration at being substituted during the match, a reaction manager Enzo Maresca was later questioned about.
Maresca insisted he was not bothered by Palmer's response, praising the player's performance. He instead focused on his team's recurring issue of failing to manage games after conceding a goal, pinpointing Villa's first equaliser as the critical turning point in the match.
The defeat leaves Chelsea licking their wounds, while Aston Villa's blistering form continues. The victory, their 11th consecutive win in all competitions, solidifies their position in third place, just three points behind leaders Arsenal ahead of a huge clash between the two sides next Tuesday.
