Chelsea launch investigation after bottle thrown at Aston Villa bench
What's the story
Chelsea Football Club launched an investigation after a bottle was hurled at the Aston Villa bench during their Premier League 2025-26 season Matchweek 18 clash on Saturday. The incident occurred after the final whistle of the game, which Chelsea lost 2-1 at Stamford Bridge. An open plastic bottle was thrown toward Villa's celebrating bench, dousing staff and players with what appeared to be water. Here's more.
Ongoing inquiry
Investigation launched to identify source of bottle-throwing incident
As per BBC Sport, the source of the bottle remains unidentified, with Chelsea now investigating the incident. The club has yet to issue an official statement on the matter. One staff member from Aston Villa pointed toward a section where both Chelsea fans and staff were seated, suggesting that this could be where the bottle originated.
Match officials
Referee's awareness of the incident remains uncertain
It is unclear if referee Stuart Attwell and his match officials witnessed the bottle-throwing incident or if it will be mentioned in his report. BBC Sport reached out to the Football Association for a comment on this matter. The incident occurred after Aston Villa's substitute Ollie Watkins scored twice to overturn Joao Pedro's first-half opener for Chelsea, leading to jubilant scenes at full-time.
Official complaint
Aston Villa's complaint and Chelsea's response
Aston Villa have lodged an official complaint with Chelsea over the bottle-throwing incident. The club has confirmed that they will fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation. Despite this incident, Aston Villa celebrated their 11th consecutive win in all competitions under manager Unai Emery. This victory puts them three points off league leaders Arsenal in third place on the Premier League table.
Sumary
Aston Villa defeat Chelsea 2-1 in Premier League
Aston Villa staged a stunning comeback to defeat Chelsea 2-1. Villa, who edged past Manchester United in Matchweek 17, claimed another massive win. Pedro had given Chelsea an early lead with a goal from Reece James's corner. Despite Chelsea's dominance in the first half, Emery's tactical changes turned the game around for Villa. An error from Benoit Badiashile allowed Watkins to score an equalizer. The striker then headed in Youri Tielemans's corner in the 84th minute.