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Stoke City feel aggrieved that they face an FA charge of failing to control their players at Watford last weekend.

The club is today expected to decide its response to the charge ahead of tomorrow's 6pm deadline for contacting the FA.

Similar cases in the past suggest they are likely to face a five-figure fine if they plead guilty, or are later found guilty after denying the charge.

Both clubs were charged, but Stoke City feel the home side, particularly captain Troy Deeney, were the aggressors.

Indeed, film footage shows that skipper Ryan Shawcross was trying to protect diminutive team-mate Joe Allen after he had been grabbed around the face by Deeney.

Other players converged on the scene, but Stoke will argue that none were trying to escalate the incident.

Deeney was the only individual charged and he later admitted to it and is now banned from Watford's next three matches.