No action for challenge by Villa's Alan Hutton

The Scotland international, who is unavailable for Saturday's rematch in the FA Cup because of suspension, will not face retrospective action for the high boot into Berahino's midriff that left Albion furious.

Berahino had to be restrained after Hutton appeared to extend his leg to connect with the Baggies striker challenging for the ball late on in Villa's 2-1 win.

Other players then joined in as they reacted angrily and both Hutton and Berahino were booked for squaring up, with Hutton's 10th yellow card of the season landing him with a two-match ban.

However, Football Association spokesman James Webb confirmed the governing body would not look at the challenge again as it had been seen by referee Jonathan Moss.

He said: "On-the-ball incidents are seen by the officials, so we don't get involved afterwards. He was booked afterwards, so the incident was something the referee had seen."

Villa boss Tim Sherwood backed Hutton after the game while Albion head coach Tony Pulis refused to be drawn on the challenge.

Sherwood said: "When he stretches for the ball and straightens his leg, what's he supposed to do? He can't chop his leg off.

"I just think Berahino is unfortunate that he's in the way."

Tuesday's win was Sherwood's first as Villa boss in his third game in charge.

And ahead of Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final against the Baggies at Villa Park, the former Tottenham boss has praised his players for their gradual improvement.

Sherwood had overseen defeats to Stoke and Newcastle before seeing his side win on Tuesday, thanks to Christian Benteke's stoppage-time penalty.

The Villa chief said: "It's brilliant, because in the first two games we haven't got what we deserved. We haven't been fantastic, but I think we've improved gradually.

"We saw a vast improvement in Tuesday's performance, so it was a good feeling."