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Lucas Digne and Matty Cash were hit by plastic bottles
Photo: Peter Byrne / dpa
Football professionals Lucas Digne and Matty Cash from Premier League club Aston Villa were hit by plastic bottles thrown at the players from the stands during their team's 1-0 (1-0) away win against Everton FC.
The incident happened just before half-time on Saturday when the Villa players were celebrating Emiliano Buendía's goal (45+3).
TV pictures showed how both Digne, who had just switched from Everton to Villa two weeks ago, and Cash, with a pained face, grabbed their heads and then briefly fell to the ground.
Both were then able to continue playing.
Aston Villa, coached by Steven Gerrard, initially improved to tenth place in the Premier League table on Saturday.
On the other hand, Everton's sporting descent continues under interim coach Duncan Ferguson after the separation from coach Rafael Benitez.
As tables-16.
the Toffees are only five points ahead of a relegation zone.
Before the game, a plane flew over Goodison Park, trailing a banner.
Everton boss Bill Kenwright was then asked to resign.
cev/dpa