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STOKE-ING THE FLAMES

Charlie Adam continues war of words between Stoke and West Brom over Saido Berahino drugs ban leak

Potters star says whole club 'are disappointed' after alleging Baggies used dirty tactics

Charlie Adam has continued Stoke's war of words with WBA over new boy Saido Berahino's drugs ban

STOKE CITY star Charlie Adam continued the row between his club and West Brom after accusing them of leaking the Saido Berahino drug scandal ahead of last weekend’s clash.

News emerged on Friday, 24 hours before the striker faced his former side, that the 23-year-old’s absence from the Baggies earlier in the season was down to a drugs ban.

Charlie Adam has continued Stoke's war of words with WBA over new boy Saido Berahino's drugs ban
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Charlie Adam has continued Stoke's war of words with WBA over new boy Saido Berahino's drugs ban

Berahino swapped the Hawthorns for Stoke last month as he joined Mark Hughes’ side for £15million, but he was unable to help his new employers to victory on his old stomping ground as they suffered a 1-0 defeat on Saturday.


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And his new team-mate Adam insists he has been good as gold since his arrival, despite the “disappointment” of West Brom’s alleged dirty tactics.

Speaking on BBC 5 Live, Adam said: “He’s been great. He’s a young lad who is still learning the game and he’s made a mistake.

“We know where it has been leaked. It’s been hidden for a number of months then we play them and the day before it gets leaked, it’s only come from one club - but the thing is, it was no surprise as the club knew about it.

“And that shows that his agent and things were honest with the club. They knew what was going to come but they were surprised that it actually came out because they had protected the player.

“Like they would, it was their own player, and they protected him at the right time.

Saido Berahino served the ban at West Brom before his £15million switch to Stoke
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Saido Berahino served the drugs ban at West Brom before his £15million switch to StokeCredit: Getty Images
Berahino finally got a move to Stoke in January in a £15m deal
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Berahino finally got a move to Stoke in January in a £15m dealCredit: PA:Press Association
News of Saido Berahinos drugs ban was leaked just 24 hours before he faced former club West Brom on Saturday
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News of Saido Berahino's drugs ban was leaked just 24 hours before he faced former club West Brom on SaturdayCredit: Getty Images

“But, as a club, we are disappointed that it’s come out because it should never have come out.”

Adam’s comments follow on from his manager venting his fury following the clash between the two clubs.

Hughes said: “They were able to keep it under wraps discreetly for six or seven months and lo and behold, just before a game against his new club, it comes out.

Charlie Adam has leapt to the defence of his new team-mate and accused WBA of leaking the news on purpose
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Charlie Adam has leapt to the defence of his new team-mate and accused WBA of leaking the news on purposeCredit: Getty Images

“It is shame because people would suggest West Brom had something to do with that…

“That would be an unfair thing to happen, wouldn’t it?

“I could get myself into trouble.”

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