Aston Villa and Swansea City are reportedly to be probed by the FA over an incident in the tunnel during half time in the two side's Premier League encounter at Villa Park.

The Daily Mail reports that there was a heated bust-up between Villa captain Micah Richards and Swansea defender Federico Fernandez after the former alleged that the latter had headbutted him during the first half.

It is believed that the outside tunnel cover was shaking and that players from both teams, along with stewards, jumped in to break up the fight.

Referee Neil Swarbrick is understood to have mentioned the issue in his report and both clubs can expect punishment in the near future.

Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood defended his captain in an interview afterwards, claiming that retrospective action against Fernandez does not help his side.

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."

When asked about the incident, Swansea manager Garry Monk told reporters: "I was first into the dressing-room so I missed it. I think it was some kind of argument."

The 2-1 win lifted Swansea into 11th while Villa remain in the relegation places in the Premier League table.