Tony Pulis defends West Brom's handling of Saido Berahino's ban
Saturday 4 February 2017 08:53, UK
West Brom head coach Tony Pulis has issued a staunch defence of the club's handling of Saido Berahino's eight-week ban.
The striker, who signed for Stoke last month, served a suspension for "an FA disciplinary matter", which Sky sources understand to be for testing positive for a recreational drug.
Reports of the ban first emerged on Thursday evening and Pulis insists West Brom did not have to reveal it to the public themselves.
"He was serving an FA ban. We are under an obligation not to. It was a personal matter," he said.
"We're under strict obligations not to release any of that information. That's an FA directive.
"(Saido) is not my problem any more. As far as I am concerned, right from when he went two weeks ago, Stoke City were aware. I think this club has been open and honest in everything it's done concerning Saido.
"He wasn't playing because, for whatever reason, he wasn't fit enough."
Berahino made just five appearances for West Brom this season before his £12m move to the Potters and Pulis repeatedly insisted it was because he was not fit.
He added: "I've been at other clubs where the kid could easily have been thrown under the bus. He should be really grateful
"It shows the depth and quality of the people in this football club that they've tried to protect one of their own.
"This club has been absolutely fantastic towards Saido with the way it's looked after him and the way it's tried to protect him from everything.
"This club has looked after its players - and Saido more than most. Unfortunately sometimes you look back and think 'was it worth it?' But everyone makes mistakes in life.
