Reaction from Stoke and Tony Pulis
BBC Sport columnist and former Stoke manager Tony Pulis said he and many supporters of Stoke City feel "cheated" in the wake of a ruling that found Manchester City guilty of the majority of the 115 charges brought against them. Pulis asked pointedly what that verdict means for past results, asking rhetorically, "When do Stoke City get our FA Cup?"
Sense of grievance among supporters
Pulis framed the disappointment as not merely about one match or one trophy but about the integrity of competition. He described the feeling of supporters who believe the outcome of past contests was affected by conduct now judged to be in breach of the rules, and he urged football authorities to consider what remedies are appropriate for affected clubs and fans.
Calls for clarity and retrospective action
The column underscores a wider debate about whether sporting bodies should pursue retrospective punishments such as fines, points deductions, or the reallocation of trophies and titles. Pulis and others say supporters deserve transparent answers and a timetable for any decisions that follow the ruling.
Governing bodies, legal avenues and the wider game
The story highlights the pressure on governing bodies to set out next steps while legal appeals and procedural challenges are anticipated. Whatever the eventual outcome, Pulis warned that the episode risks deepening mistrust among fans and called for clear, swift action to restore confidence in the competition.
A lasting fallout for supporters
For now, the columnist encapsulated the emotional toll: a sense among Stoke City fans that they have been wronged and a demand for restitution. He urged football's authorities to address not only sanctions but also how to recognise clubs and supporters who feel they have been deprived of trophies and achievements.