Reaction from Stoke City vs Middlesbrough
By Duncan Kwok
The highly anticipated return of Tony Pulis to the Britannia Stadium was certainly controversial, to say the least, with James McClean harassed by Middlesbrough fans for his decision not to have a poppy on his shirt. The game itself was a surprisingly entertaining game as both managers opted for a 4-3-3 and really tried to get a win.
James McClean issued a typically strong defense over his decision not to have a poppy on his jersey.
Some disagreed over McClean’s decision not to have a poppy on his jersey.
If James McLean does not want to show respect for those who afforded the peace in this country where he now earns his money. He is welcome to go somewhere else. You can’t have your cake and eat it. Shame on @stokecity for not bringing him to book.
— BIG Phil Campion (@bigphilcampion) October 30, 2018
There was also support James McClean over his decision
If a player is the victim of racist, homophobic or sectarian abuse he has every right to call fans out on it. Fans that do that should also face the consequences. Hold your opinions, but Stoke City Football Club should never be a place for hate.
— The Wizards of Drivel // Stoke City Podcast (@wizardsofdrivel) November 4, 2018
The booing and abuse for McClean is an absolute low point of my 30 years following Stoke City.
— Nicholas Hancock (@onenickhancock) November 3, 2018
While Gary Rowett was left lamenting over the fact that Stoke City just didn’t have enough quality in the final third.
🗣️ Gary Rowett admits his side didn’t quite do enough to penetrate @Boro's watertight backline this evening
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) November 3, 2018
👉 https://t.co/ZmqtTTwGeo#SCFC 🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/NRylfQB5x1
The ladder showed Stoke City dropped to 15th place, five points behind Nottingham Forest who are in 6th place.
📈 After it ends 0️⃣-0️⃣ between @stokecity and @Boro, here's what it all means to the standings in the @SkyBetChamp on another big day! ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/mkepCUDxdE
— EFL (@EFL) November 3, 2018
While Stoke City’s poor record against Middlesbrough continued.
Stoke v Pulis since we last beat one of his teams in November 1992...
— Robin Evans (@robin1302) November 3, 2018
26 years, 6 opponents, 13 games, 6 draws, 7 defeats, 7 times failed to score, 10 binary score lines.
Hopefully today is the day we can put this hoodoo to bed! #scfc #stokecity pic.twitter.com/U3Ziue4OnV
Some were left encouraged by Stoke City’s performance
Enjoyed comms on @stokecity v @Boro both teams gave as good as they got. Definite improvement from Stoke and Boro destined to be right up at the top come the end of the season. In this non stop division Stoke will fancy they can get up there as well
— Danny Higginbotham (@Higginbotham05) November 3, 2018
While it was revealed that Tom Ince required surgery and would be on the sidelines for a period.
💬 Gary Rowett has revealed that Tom Ince will miss next weekend’s Championship clash with @NFFC.
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) November 3, 2018
👉 https://t.co/sNDyzsvAWW#SCFC 🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/xO2G6lzak6
Stoke City appeared happy to have gained a point against a high-flying Middlesbrough team
📝 The Potters chalked up a fourth clean sheet in six matches this evening but were forced to settle for a point against high-flying @Boro
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) November 3, 2018
Report 👉 https://t.co/utSy5sWW1g#SCFC 🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/oJXma510sA
Although Ryan Woods believed Stoke City had crafted enough chances for the win
🗣"We always knew it was going to be difficult, but I think we've created enough chances to win the game."
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) November 3, 2018
📹 Full interview with Ryan Woods available on YouTube 👉 https://t.co/nbJZc5atvW#SCFC 🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/UWGLgOV0hM
Jack Butland came up trumps for Stoke City once again making several crucial saves to keep Stoke City in the game.
66' | JACK. BUTLAND. Hugill weaves his way through the defence and found himself through on goal, only for Butland to deny him. 👊 (0-0)#SCFC 🔴⚪️ | @SkyBetChamp
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) November 3, 2018
28' | GREAT STOP! Downing curled his strike from the edge of the box and Butland clawed the ball away. (0-0)#SCFC 🔴⚪️ | @SkyBetChamp
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) November 3, 2018
Tom Edwards was also impressive, delivering some quality crosses into the six-yard box.
37' | Great cross there from Edwards! He pumps the ball forwards from the halfway line, but it evaded Shawcross in the area. (0-0)#SCFC 🔴⚪️ | @SkyBetChamp
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) November 3, 2018
42' | What a ball in... again!
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) November 3, 2018
Edwards whipped his cross towards Afobe at the far post, but it's nodded wide. (0-0)#SCFC 🔴⚪️ | @SkyBetChamp
Next. Gary Rowett has no regrets over Sam Clucas signing. dark