Walter Mazzarri has defended Troy Deeney after the nightclub fracas involving the striker but says the Watford captain will have to “control himself a little bit more” if a similar situation happens in the future.

Deeney was thrown out of Birmingham’s Levana Bar earlier this month after someone reportedly threw a punch at him after he deleted a video from their phone.

Watford boss Mazzarri believes the public have a responsibility to respect players’ wishes, in terms of accepting or declining photographs, claiming they have every right to enjoy their time off without worrying about being confronted.

Mazzarri said: “It’s true and it’s possible [people trying to test his character]. People like him sometimes can cause other people from the street to have some jealousy in different situations.

“But he will know next time when something like this happens he will have to control himself a little bit more. But again it’s not easy because patience has a limit for everyone.”

The Hornets boss added: “I spoke with him but there wasn’t much to speak about. He had three days off and went out.

“These things can happen if he goes out and even if it’s not his fault and something happens.

“For us it doesn’t change a lot because he’s a very professional player and comes here to work.”

Deeney has scored seven goals for the Hornets this season.