Aston Villa boss Dean Smith is unhappy at the way referees are treating star Jack Grealish.

The attacking midfielder has been the subject of intense fouling from teams, who are unable to stop his speedy runs.

He was one of the most fouled players in their 2-2 draw with Manchester United at the weekend, and it was a similar story against Chelsea in their 2-1 defeat on Wednesday night.

When asked by reporters if Grealish could suffer a serious injury if he is not protected by referees, Smith responded: "If he doesn't get protection, then yeah, you worry for him.

"You can't have tag teams having a free whack at him all the time. The referees and the officials have to sort that out.

"The refereeing in the Premier League so far has disappointed me.

"I had expected to see a lot better.

"There's been a tag team fouling Jack Grealish at times."