Chelsea FC has been handed a substantial £150,000 fine by the Football Association (FA) following a misconduct charge during their Premier League clash against Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge.
The sanction stems from an incident on December 27, 2025, where a plastic water bottle was thrown from the Chelsea technical area toward the Aston Villa bench. The FA’s independent Regulatory Commission described the act as “disrespectful, irresponsible, and dangerous,” noting it narrowly missed an opposition player.
Why Chelsea was Sanctioned
The Blues admitted to a breach of FA Rule E20.1, which requires clubs to ensure that players and staff behave in an orderly fashion. Although video footage captured the moment the bottle was launched at high speed, the specific individual responsible has yet to be identified by either the club or the FA.
Match Context: A Heated Finale
The incident occurred in the frantic aftermath of Aston Villa’s 2-1 comeback victory. Ollie Watkins’ late double secured the win for Unai Emery’s side, sparking intense celebrations that seemingly boiled over on the Chelsea sidelines.
“The act was dangerous and could have easily provoked a reaction—it was only luck that it did not strike someone,” the FA commission stated in their written reasons.
What Happens Next?
While Chelsea has accepted the charge, the club still retains the right to appeal the severity of the £150,000 financial penalty. This fine adds to a turbulent period for the West London club, coming just as they prepare for crucial fixtures against Crystal Palace and Napoli.
Ronald Mike is a football writer covering the English Premier League, providing match analysis, tactical insight, and coverage of key rivalries and title races across the season.
