Trio disciplined by Villa

Aston Villa have disciplined Fabien Delph, Chris Herd and James Collins for their part in a nightclub fracas early on Tuesday morning.

Midfielders Delph and Chris Herd and central defender Collins were involved in the incident hours after the club had held their annual awards ceremony at Villa Park. The incident occurred at 2.45am - just five days before relegation-threatened Villa's crucial home game against Tottenham. All three players have apologised via a club statement received on Friday morning by Press Association Sport. It is understood Delph has been dealt with more leniently by Villa as he was acting as a peacemaker. Wales international Collins said: "I'm sorry for what has happened and I take responsibility for my actions. It does not show me in a very good light and does not put the club in a very good light. I know I should not have been out in a club with my wife after the end-of-season dinner at that time in the morning and I was wrong to be in that position. It was a misunderstanding and was resolved quickly but I understand how it looks and I apologise for that." Herd, who has established himself as a first-team player this season, said: "My actions on the night were out of character. Even if I felt at the time that the prior situation inside the nightclub had not been dealt with properly, it was no one's intention to be involved in any trouble. I'll do everything I can to make it up to the club and the fans, as they have both been fantastic since I've joined the team." Delph, who has been dogged by injury problems in recent seasons, said: "I am injured, I won't be fit again until pre-season and I probably thought that going out would not carry any consequences. I was sober, I was in control of my actions and I did try to calm down the situation. I didn't hit out or strike anyone but I should not have been there and I was wrong to be in this position."