Beattie's future in doubt despite talks

PREMIER LEAGUE:THE STOKE CITY manager, Tony Pulis, has held further clear-the-air talks with James Beattie following their post-match clash in the dressingrooms at Arsenal on Saturday, though the striker's future at the Britannia Stadium remains in considerable doubt.

Stoke’s hierarchy are to conduct an internal investigation into the ugly scenes in the wake of the 2-0 defeat at the Emirates when tempers flared after Pulis confirmed he expected the squad to report back for training yesterday morning as normal.

It is understood that Beattie objected, apparently on the players’ behalf, having hoped the team would be given 48 hours off following their Christmas party in London on Saturday night, with Pulis reacting furiously to the player’s response.

The pair squared up and allegedly punches were thrown before a masseur dragged the manager away. The root of the disagreement appears to have been a misunderstanding given that Beattie, who had been organising the celebrations under the impression that the players would be given two days off, was convinced Pulis had changed the schedule as a result of the loss to Arsenal. The manager denies that any agreement had been made and would not countenance a change to the usual schedule following the defeat.

Some clarification was offered in a meeting between the manager and the 31-year-old yesterday. Yet, so violent was the clash, it could be doubtful that the rift can be repaired. While the first-team squad reported at 10am yesterday, Beattie did not train at the club’s Clayton Wood centre. Instead, he arrived at midday only to leave some 30 minutes later to undertake his own work-out at the Britannia Stadium gymnasium.

Stoke will seek to clarify what happened by conducting their own inquiry before deciding whether any sanctions are to be imposed or, indeed, whether Beattie’s future at the club should now be scrutinised. “As far as the club is concerned, this is an internal matter,” said the chairman, Peter Coates.

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