Chelsea Football Club have been charged by the Football Association (FA) after a bottle was thrown towards Aston Villa’s bench at the conclusion of their Premier League match in December 2025. The incident occurred following Villa’s 2-1 comeback win at Stamford Bridge, secured by two late goals from Ollie Watkins, which sparked celebrations from the visiting team.

Details of the Incident

According to the FA, it is alleged that Chelsea “failed to ensure its players and/or other relevant personnel positioned around the technical area after the final whistle did not behave in an improper and/or provocative and/or abusive way.”

Video footage and media reports show a plastic water bottle being thrown, showering Villa staff with a clear liquid, believed to be water. At the time, it was not immediately clear whether the bottle came from the stands or from within Chelsea’s technical area.

One Villa backroom staff member was seen pointing towards Chelsea’s bench in the moments after the final whistle, highlighting the frustration and tension following the defeat.

Context of the Match

Chelsea were defeated 2-1 by Aston Villa, a result that saw Villa extend their winning streak to a joint-record 11 consecutive victories in all competitions. Chelsea, meanwhile, remain in eighth place in the Premier League, struggling to find consistent form under their current management.

The FA’s charge relates to the conduct of players and technical staff in the technical area, rather than any spectator action. Clubs are responsible for the behaviour of everyone in the technical area, including substitutes, coaching staff, and other personnel.

Chelsea’s Response

Chelsea have reportedly been investigating the incident internally but have not yet issued a formal comment. The FA will now consider Chelsea’s response and may impose sanctions depending on the outcome of their review.

The club faces the possibility of fines or additional disciplinary measures, emphasizing the FA’s strict regulations regarding professional conduct in football matches, particularly concerning safety and respect towards opposing teams.

Premier League Repercussions

This charge comes at a critical stage of the 2025-26 Premier League season, where Chelsea are seeking to regain momentum and challenge for European qualification. Maintaining professionalism on and off the pitch is key, as further incidents could impact the club’s reputation and result in penalties that affect future matches.

FA charges related to technical area misconduct are not uncommon in the Premier League, and clubs are routinely reminded of their responsibility to prevent provocations or inappropriate behaviour from staff and substitutes during matches.