Aston Villa have thrown their weight behind a key player after a tempestuous game.

The Midlands club came from behind to beat Brentford 2-1 in the league on Sunday.

Post-game, Villa publicised their support for star striker and ex-Bees forward Ollie Watkins after his altercation with a Brentford fan.

Villa's statement read: "Aston Villa FC wants to express its support for Ollie Watkins and with the utmost respect for the big majority of Brentford fans and for the club, we ask the authorities to investigate this incident to find this individual. Zero tolerance to abuse in football."

Watkins told reporters post-game: "It was a bit of a feisty game, it all spurred from my celebration but that's not down to a lack of respect for the fans. I love the club, the players and staff, I've not got a bad word to say against them.

"But there was one person who was abusing me all game, the celebration wasn't to anyone else but it was directed directly at him. (Frank) asked me why I had celebrated like that, I'm still on texting terms with him but it's because of that reason.

"I feel like I've done so much for the club and they've done so much for me, football's football and you can have a bit of banter but not when it's personal. If the club don't believe me it's up to them - but I've explained it to Thomas and he knows I wouldn't do that for no reason. It agitated me and that's what happened."