Chelsea charged by FA after bottle thrown at Villa's bench
What's the story
Chelsea FC have been charged by the Football Association (FA) after a water bottle was hurled at Aston Villa's bench following their Premier League Matchweek 18 clash in December. The incident took place after Villa's 2-1 comeback win at Stamford Bridge, where two late goals from Ollie Watkins triggered wild celebrations among the away team. Here are further details on the same.
Allegations
FA's statement on Chelsea's alleged misconduct
The FA has charged Chelsea with failing to ensure that its players and/or other relevant personnel around the technical area after the final whistle did not behave in an improper, provocative, or abusive manner. The bottle was thrown at Villa staff members, showering them with a clear liquid that looked like water.
Ongoing inquiry
Investigation into the incident and Chelsea's response
The exact source of the bottle throw remains unclear, whether it was from the stands or inside the technical area. One member of Villa's backroom staff was seen pointing toward Chelsea's bench after they secured their joint-record 11th consecutive win in all competitions. Chelsea are still investigating this incident but have not yet made any public comment on it, as per BBC Sport.
Launch
Chelsea launched investigation after bottle thrown at Aston Villa bench
On December 28, Chelsea launched an investigation after a bottle was hurled at the Aston Villa bench. An open plastic bottle was thrown toward Villa's celebrating bench, dousing staff and players with what appeared to be water. Before that, Aston Villa lodged an official complaint with Chelsea over the bottle-throwing incident. The club confirmed that they would fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation.