Post-match scenes overshadowed an entertaining North London clash after Ollie Watkins’ celebrations appeared to anger Joao Palhinha. Morgan Rogers stepped in to protect his Aston Villa teammate, with both players grabbing at each other as tensions rose.
The situation quickly escalated, drawing in players, coaches and staff from both sides as tempers boiled over. The Football Association is now expected to review the incident. Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett believes both clubs are likely to face charges for failing to keep their players under control, similar to the FA action taken against Chelsea after their defeat to Villa in December.
Speaking to Tottenham News, Hackett said: “Yet again, we saw an unacceptable confrontation at full time. The FA will almost certainly charge both teams for not controlling their players, and any past incidents will be considered.”
Pedro Porro was also involved in a separate moment during the match after angrily confronting a linesman. While he was booked, Hackett suggested the FA could still review his behaviour, although a suspension is unlikely.
The atmosphere inside the stadium was already tense as Spurs supporters watched their team suffer a 12th defeat under Thomas Frank. Frustration spilled into the stands, with Villa fans and some home supporters chanting “you’re getting sacked in the morning” at the Tottenham boss.
Frank appeared visibly dejected as the confrontation unfolded and questions remain over his future. However, he defended Palhinha and accused Watkins of deliberately provoking the incident during his post-match press conference.
“I don’t think Joao started it,” Frank said. “Of course, players must stay calm, but emotions are high when you lose a close game and your season isn’t going well. I think Ollie was very provocative.”
Frank added that Watkins intentionally walked into Palhinha while celebrating in front of the Villa fans, suggesting the forward could have avoided the midfielder but chose not to. “In competitive situations, moments like that can easily trigger reactions,” he explained.
Palhinha was furious as Watkins celebrated Villa’s FA Cup progression in front of the away supporters. Although Rogers was the one who made physical contact with the Portuguese midfielder, it remains unclear whether the FA will take action against the players involved or limit punishment to the clubs themselves.
