Everton fan arrested as club vow to ban bottle throwers after Aston Villa defeat

Everton have vowed to ban any fan caught throwing objects on to the pitch at Goodison Park after several Aston Villa players were struck by a plastic bottle during their side’s 1-0 win over Duncan Ferguson’s team.

Former Everton player Lucas Digne and Villa defender Matty Cash were both struck on the head by what appeared to be a full bottle of Lucozade as they celebrated Emiliano Buendía’s decisive goal in front of the home section of the Bullens Road Stand. A supporter was arrested at Goodison Park. Several objects were thrown at the Villa players in first-half stoppage time and Everton insist everyone responsible for the disgraceful scenes will be banned.

In a statement confirming the arrest, the club said: “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.”

The Aston Villa manager, Steven Gerrard, made light of the incident but said his players’ reaction was key to an impressive away win. “None of the players have mentioned it. We scored at a really important time and so at half-time it was more about resetting the focus. I haven’t seen anything so I don’t want to comment on any incidents that may or may not have happened. The pleasing thing for me is that the players didn’t mention it and just focused on their football.”

Ferguson, who was taking charge of his first game in his second spell as Everton’s caretaker manager, condemned the bottle throwing. “I never saw the incident but I have