Former Premier League manager Tony Pulis has said he feels cheated over Stoke City’s FA Cup final loss to Manchester City, following the news that the club have been found guilty on all but one of the 115 charges brought by the Premier League.
Manchester City defeated Pulis’ Stoke 1-0 at Wembley in 2011, a result that kickstarted a trophy-laden period of dominance in English football. However, those achievements have now been called into question after the verdict was announced on Friday.
Pulis questions the 2011 FA Cup outcome
Writing in a column on the BBC Sport website, Pulis said Stoke fans had been asking him: “When do we get our FA Cup?”
He added: “I thought exactly the same. While the process is far from over because Manchester City are expected to appeal, I have to say this verdict and the whole situation has left a very sour taste in my mouth.
“I don’t expect Manchester City to phone me or the club up and offer back the 2011 FA Cup and the winners’ medals their players received.
“I don’t seriously believe any other trophies and titles will be handed back over either. A points deduction and a massive fine feels far more likely. But I still feel cheated.”
Sanctions still to be decided
A decision on sanctions has not yet been made, and any punishment would be determined in accordance with the Premier League’s rules and could range from a substantial points deduction to a suspension. In the most serious circumstances, it could even mean expulsion from the league.
Meanwhile, Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has issued a defiant message to supporters following reports that the club have been found guilty of almost all of their 115 Premier League charges.
He said: “While some people have been quick to reach their own conclusions, and there is so much noise swirling around us, nothing has changed. We have faced challenges together before and have prevailed.
“There remain many who want to undermine the momentum of our Club. We will not give them that opportunity.”
