Tottenham learn punishment for mass brawl after Thomas Frank blamed Aston Villa star

The FA have issued an update on punishments for Tottenham and Aston Villa following the brawl at the end of their FA Cup tie

Tottenham and Aston Villa have been fined £125,000 by the FA for the mass confrontation at the conclusion of their FA Cup third round clash. The incident involving players from both teams was sparked after Joao Palhinha was unhappy with Ollie Watkins celebrating his side's victory right in front of him.

A statement read: "An independent Regulatory Commission has sanctioned Aston Villa FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC for the mass confrontation that occurred at their FA Cup match on Saturday 10 January.

"It was alleged that both clubs failed to ensure their players and/or officials did not behave in an improper and/or provocative way after the final whistle.

"Tottenham Hotspur FC and Aston Villa FC subsequently admitted the charge against them. The Regulatory Commission imposed a £125,000 fine on both clubs, and their written reasons for these decisions can be seen below."

Thomas Frank spoke about the incident in the aftermath and appeared to blame Villa striker Ollie Watkins for his part in the flashpoint after he celebrated the win right in front of Joao Palhinha.

He said: "Of course, it is all about keeping a cool head.

"The players gave everything out there, losing a tight game, the season is not going perfect and I think Ollie is very provoking in the way he's going down to celebrate in front of the Villa fans.

"He is just walking into João and he could just easily walk around. Everyone who has a been of a competitive nature, it is difficult, that can trigger things."

Unai Emery on the other hand claimed Villa were not happy with Palhinha's challenge on Boubacar Kamara, which led to him being substituted because of an injury in the opening stages.

He said: "It is the referee's work. I respect the referees and the competition. We were only angry because Boubacar Kamara was getting injured in in one action with Palhinha.

"The referee today, he did a fantastic job. Some moments happen with some players, we can understand in the circumstances."

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