bbc.co.uk

Chelsea investigate after bottle thrown at Villa bench

Unai Emery pointing and shouting while in the dugout in front of Aston Villa's bench at Stamford BridgeGetty Images

Nizaar Kinsella

Football reporter at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea are investigating after a bottle was thrown towards theAston Villa bench following their 2-1 Premier League defeat at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

After the full-time whistle, an open plastic bottle was directed at Villa's celebrating bench, splashing staff and players with a liquid that appeared to be water.

One member of staff pointed towards the area from which the bottle came, which seemed to be a section containing both Chelsea fans and staff.

It remains unclear who was responsible. Chelsea have launched an investigation but have not commented officially at this stage.

It is also unclear whether referee Stuart Attwell and his officials saw the incident or whether it will be included in his report. BBC Sport has contacted the Football Association for comment.

Villa substitute Ollie Watkins scored twice to overturn Joao Pedro's first-half opener for Chelsea.

Unai Emery's side have now equalled a club record of 11 consecutive wins in all competitions and sit three points behind league leaders Arsenal in third. Chelsea are fifth before Sunday's games.