Stoke Midfielder Plays Down Heated Clash With Watford Captain Troy Deeney

Stoke midfielder Joe Allen has played down his heated clash with Troy Deeney in Saturday's fixture with Watford, according to The Hertfordshire Mercury.

Darren Fletcher's outstanding goal gave the Potters a 1-0 win at Vicarage Road, but it was the clash between Welsh midfielder Allen and Hornets skipper Deeney that made the headlines.

Deeney appeared to grab Allen's face and gouge his cheeks, and could face further action after most of the players on the field got involved in a fiery encounter. Both players received a yellow card but Allen has since played down the clash, saying: "It was handbags really and nothing to it."

Allen also went on to add: "These things happen. He is a big guy and we were both laughing. I knew I was beaten in that situation – I have a bit of a bad habit of picking the wrong fights."

Deeney inpaticular has come under extreme criticism for his role in the incident, with many, including former referee Graham Poll calling for him be to be banned. Both clubs could also face trouble for failing to control their players.

Despite the heated clash, it was Stoke's first away win and it proved crucial as the Potters moved out the bottom three.