Why Did Phil Grab The Bedsheets? | The Sopranos Explained

In The Sopranos, Tony Sopranos' nemesis, mafia boss Phil Leotardo, wants to find Vito and take him out. Phil is furious with Tony that he isn't doing enough to find Vito, so he takes matters into his own hands. Phil and his goons eventually find Vito who is staying at a motel, where they attack him. While Vito is beaten with bats, Phil Leotardo grips the bedsheets and makes a weird face. Why did Phil Leotardo grip the bedsheets as Vito was beaten.