Troy Deeney must set better example, says Watford boss Marco Silva who accepts striker's three-match ban for ugly clash with Stoke star Joe Allen

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Watford manager Marco Silva has called on captain Troy Deeney to set a better example after he was banned for three Premier League matches.

Deeney will miss his side's fixture against Everton and subsequent games against West Ham and Newcastle after he admitted a charge of violent conduct following their 1-0 defeat against Stoke last weekend.

The flashpoint involving Deeney came after Stoke had put the ball out with a player down injured. Rather than pass the ball back, Deeney attempted a cross into the visitors' penalty area.

Watford boss Marco Silva (above) has accepted the three-match ban handed to Troy Deeney

Joe Allen reacted angrily and clashed with Deeney, who appeared to dig his thumbs into the face of the Wales international as other players tried to prise them apart.

Deeney and Allen received yellow cards before the Watford skipper was hit with a suspension after three former match officials reviewed the footage.

'Of course, as our captain, Troy needs to be an example to everyone,' Silva said ahead of his side's trip to Goodison Park on Sunday.

'It was not an easy moment in the match as the style our opponent played was not the best for everybody in the stadium, or those watching at home.

'But he is our captain, an experienced player, and one who knows the Premier League well. We need to be calm in every moment of the match, and pass this on to our younger players, too.

'We accept the decision. It was not a good moment and Troy has accepted that. I have already spoken to him, and he knows my opinion on the situation.'

Silva urged Deeney to set a better example after his behaviour in last week's 1-0 loss to Stoke

Watford will head to Everton bidding to get their promising campaign back on track after successive defeats against Chelsea and Stoke.

The Toffees, meanwhile, have not won in the Premier League since September and were dumped out of Europe on Thursday night following a 3-0 defeat at Lyon.

'For us the next match is always the most important and this is a huge game for them,' Silva added. 'It's like a cup final for them and we will play this final in the same way as well.

'It is a tough game for both of us. Of course, they will try to change their situation but we want to change the situation we are in, too.

'We will do our best and I am sure they will do the same. We need to be strong and not lose our focus early on, like we did in the last game.'

 Deeney was punished retrospectively after appearing to dig his thumbs into Joe Allen's face