Aston Villa and Swansea set for FA probe after tunnel spat between Micah Richards and Federico Fernandez

By Joe Bernstein for MailOnline

Published: 14:08 EST, 24 October 2015 | Updated: 04:59 EST, 25 October 2015

Aston Villa and Swansea City face an FA investigation after what appeared to be a heated tunnel bust-up involving Villa skipper Micah Richards and opposition centre half Federico Fernandez.

Richards, who had earlier been incensed by an alleged headbutt from the Argentine defender during the match, went looking for him as the players walked towards the dressing-room at full-time.

The outside of the tunnel cover was left shaking with the impact of stewards and players from both sides jumping in to break up the fracas.

Aston Villa captain Micah Richards squares up to Swansea defender Federico Fernandez on Saturday

Aston Villa captain Micah Richards squares up to Swansea defender Federico Fernandez on Saturday

The pair appeared to be involved in a heated tunnel bust-up as the two teams went in for half-time

The pair appeared to be involved in a heated tunnel bust-up as the two teams went in for half-time

Richards (right) was earlier incensed by an alleged headbutt from Swansea's No 33 during the match

Richards (right) was earlier incensed by an alleged headbutt from Swansea's No 33 during the match

Referee Neil Swarbrick will mention the incident in his report and both clubs can expect some kind of censure or punishment.

Defending Richards, Villa boss Tim Sherwood said: 'If the ref had seen the original incident, he has to send him (Fernandez) off. He will probably get done retrospectively but it doesn't help us out. I think Micah was just upset someone stuck their head into his face.'

Swans boss Garry Monk said: 'I was first into the dressing-room so I missed it. I think it was some kind of argument.'

The row capped a miserable day for Villa who remained stuck in the bottom three after a seventh consecutive Premier League defeat. Having taken the lead through Jordan Ayew, they let Swansea hit back to win 2-1 with goals from Gylfi Sigurdsson and Jordan's brother, Andre.

Villa boss Tim Sherwood believes Fernandez would've been sent off if referee Neil Swarbrick saw the incident

Villa boss Tim Sherwood believes Fernandez would've been sent off if referee Neil Swarbrick saw the incident

Sherwood is now facing the sack at Villa though he remained defiant Saturday night.

'It is out of my control,' he when asked about his future. 'I will continue to do my best for the club. That is all I can do. I will work hard and make myself ill doing it. It ain't an easy job but it is one I love and one I am not going to give up easily.

'We can't carry any players. We have to find a team that is going to play to a consistent level every single week otherwise we are not going to be able to win football matches because there is a lack of quality. We have to to have more devil in us. It's not me that's in a hole, it's the club that is in a hole.

Asked about whether he was worried about receiving the call from owner Randy Lerner or chief executive Tom Fox, he wrapped back: 'Just turn my phone off.'

Pressure on Sherwood has grown following Villa's defeat but he remains defiant over his job security

Pressure on Sherwood has grown following Villa's defeat but he remains defiant over his job security

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