Aston Villa's Jordan Ayew and Idrissa Gana could face rap for row with fans

Villa duo Jordan Ayew and Idrissa Gana could face punishment from the FA after a confrontation with home supporters during the dying minutes of Saturday's 3-2 defeat at Watford.

An investigation has begun into claims the pair, who were both substituted late in the game, climbed over advertising hoardings to confront fans in the Elton John Stand in the aftermath of Troy Deeney's two late goals, which condemned Villa to a club record equalling 11th straight league defeat.

The incident went largely unnoticed at the time and was later dismissed by claret and blues caretaker boss Eric Black as "absolutely nothing".

Yet the FA are aware and ready to assess any evidence available, before deciding whether retrospective action is required against either player.

Having led 2-1 for much of the second half, frustrations on the Villa bench were unquestionably riding high after Deeney's late brace robbed the relegation-bound club of what would have been just a fourth league victory of the season.

Black, who has lost all five games since taking temporary charge in March, found some positives in an improved performance and hopes the team can now approach their final two games, at home to Newcastle on Saturday and then away at Arsenal, with renewed belief.

I think there was a group celebration (after our goals), he said. I spoke to them last week. That shows a little bit of belief. Ultimately its professional football.

"You need to win games. I thought there was a lot to be encouraged by.

"I know we've only got two games to go but all I can do every week is start on a Monday, look at the game on the Saturday and do our best to win a game of football."

Black felt the sending-off of Aly Cissokho, 16 minutes from time, proved the game's turning point.

The defender was dismissed for bringing down Ikechi Anya when the Watford man was through on goal.

"Once it goes down to 10, the anxiety kicks in as we haven't been winning too many matches in the last few months," said Black.

Meawhile, weekend reports claimed Villa's pursuit of Nigel Pearson as their new boss has gathered pace after more discussions with chairman Steve Hollis.

However, an appointment looks set to wait until progress is made in takeover talks with three groups vying to buy the club, who suffered a record-equalling 11th straight defeat at the weekend.