Stoke defender Ryan Shotton was controversially sent off in stoppage time in an instantly forgettable Barclays Premier League goalless draw at Aston Villa. Shotton was given his marching orders by referee Roger East for a second bookable offence but replays showed he made no contact on Villa substitute Fabian Delph. Villa striker Darren Bent made his return to action as the home side's youngst...Full Story »

A PREMIER League football star has been charged with assault after an early hours brawl near a nightclub left a man needing stitches in his head. Stoke City’s Ryan Shotton, 23 — the club’s Young Player Of The Year — will appear before magistrates on Friday. The 6ft 3in long-throw ace is alleged to have punched his victim after a row in Pink nightclub in the cityR...Full Story »

Stoke City have come out fighting in defence of their latest controversial ploy to make the most of their long-throw tactic. Footage from the 2-1 win against Tottenham on Sunday showed Ryan Shotton drying the ball with a towel underneath his shirt before taking throw-ins. The plan worked a treat as he caused havoc in the Spurs penalty area, but the novel idea was under scrutiny by the footba...Full Story »