Police have arrested a fan at Goodison Park for throwing a missile onto the pitch during Aston Villa’s Premier League victory over Everton on Saturday.
Villa’s Lucas Digne – who recently joined the club from the Toffees – and Matty Cash were hit by a bottle thrown from the crowd as their side celebrated Emiliano Buendia’s goal just before half time.
The two players stayed on the floor briefly before getting up to continue the game.
A statement from Everton read: “Police have arrested a supporter at Goodison Park for throwing a missile onto the pitch during today’s Premier League match against Aston Villa.
“Everton security staff and Merseyside Police identified the supporter using CCTV footage.
“Several objects were thrown towards the pitch following Aston Villa’s goal at the end of the first half, with one missile appearing to strike two opposition players.
“Investigations in conjunction with the police are ongoing, and the club will issue bans to any fans identified throwing objects.”
Villa centre back Ezri Konsa was seen removing the lid from the bottle and taking a sip, while manager Steven Gerrard stuck his tongue out at the Goodison Park crowd while walking off at half-time.
“They did and it was disgusting really, it is about all they have got,” Villa captain Tyrone Minds said of the unsavoury incident after the game.
“They tried to make it ugly, tried to make it an intimidating atmosphere and we came and got the three points. That will hopefully be dealt with but all you can do is get up and carry on.”
Everton caretaker manager Duncan Ferguson added: “I never saw it but the supporters should not be doing that.”
Burnley defender Matt Lowton was involved in a similar incident in early January, being struck by a bottle during the Clarets’ league clash with Leeds while celebrating a goal.
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