Controversy Arises in Stoke City’s Victory Over Hull City

In a recent Championship match at the bet365 Stadium, former Stoke City boss Gary Rowett criticized a first-half incident that involved Potters defender Ben Gibson. The game against Hull City saw Stoke City lead 1-0 at halftime, thanks to a header by Ben Wilmot from a corner. Rowett, who was initially appointed to lead Stoke back to the Premier League after their 2018 relegation, expressed surprise over Gibson’s actions on the field.

Commenting on the incident, Rowett stated on Sky Sports, “I’m absolutely amazed. I just don’t know what he’s doing. Ben Gibson is running with his arm out. He looks at the defender. He pushes. After that, I can’t see any other outcome really than it being a red card for that sort of incident.” This incident involved Gibson clashing with Hull’s midfielder Óscar Zambrano, seemingly leading with his elbow and causing Zambrano to hit the ground.

Jay Bothroyd, former Stoke City loan player and current pundit, concurred with Rowett’s opinion but also highlighted the aggressive approach adopted by Stoke under their new management. He added, “I think it shows a real intent. I think they’ve really, really laid a marker on it.” Gibson, who has worked with the new Stoke management at Norwich City, shared insights into the team’s adaptation under the new regime, stating that they had been given substantial information in a short span of just 48 hours.

“He’s tried to give us a lot of information in the 48 hours that he’s been in. It has been a lot to take on board and things will be different. Of course, it won’t happen overnight, but he’s certainly very intense. He works super hard and he can’t wait to get started,” Gibson remarked, emphasizing the transition phase for the team.