Stoke City F.C. is known for their lumbering, dirty gritty style of football. It may not be the most attractive way to play, but it is hard to argue with its success. Stoke won promotion to the Premier League back in 2007-08 and hasn’t fallen out since. Since that time the Potters have reached the F.A. Cup Final which qualified them for the 2011-12 UEFA Europa League. They rarely threaten the top eight, but they also are usually a safe distance away from the drop zone. It’s a recipe for suce$$ for a ‘smaller’ club in the Premiership.
Today though, Stoke is in the tabloids for all the wrong reasons.
Apparently, Irish Midfielder Glenn Whelan thought it would be funny to put a severed pig’s head into the locker of teammate Kenwyne Jones.
Jones didn’t see the humor in it and responded by throwing a brick through the window of Whelan’s Porsche.
The Telegraph reports that the club is launching an investigation to get to the bottom of the ongoing shenanigans.
It is believed Whelan, the Republic of Ireland international, was behind the prank and he is expected to explain his behaviour to Stoke officials before Sunday’s trip to Southampton. Whelan and Jones could face fines if they are found guilty of misconduct in line with the club’s disciplinary procedures, with chief executive Tony Scholes leading the investigation. Shea is also likely to be reminded of his responsibilities while using social media.
The picture of the pig’s head was then put on Instagram by Stoke/US Midfielder Brek Shea. Apparently, this is the second prank in an on going war amongst the squad.
This latest practical joke comes days after Michael Owen’s Mercedes was pelted with eggs and flour, while it is understood other pranks have been taking place all week as Stoke prepare for their final game of the season.
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