Thomas Frank ‘hurt’ after FA Cup exit but blames Ollie Watkins for late melee

Tottenham and Aston Villa players clash after their FA Cup match (Andrew Matthews/PA)

Under-fire Tottenham boss Thomas Frank was left “hurt” by their FA Cup exit to Aston Villa, but defended his passionate players after a full-time melee and criticised Ollie Watkins.

A spirited second-half rally could not prevent Spurs suffering another early exit in a domestic cup to increase the pressure on Frank, who has lost seven of his last 13 matches after this 2-1 defeat.