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Stoke boss Paul Lambert dropped Erik Pieters for today’s clash with Everton after the Dutch defender broke a club curfew.

The left-back was due to start the game but was axed after pictures emerged on social media of him out socialising on Friday night.

Stoke players are forbidden from entering licensed premises within 48 hours of a match.

Pictures circulated of Pieters with his wife, Nermina Pieters-Mekic, on Instagram, before they were taken down.

And while there is no suggestion Pieters, whose wife is a star of reality TV show ‘Real Housewives of Cheshire’, consumed any alcohol, his decision to go out left his manager little choice but to dump him from his matchday squad.

(Image: Getty Images Europe)

(Image: PA)

Stoke lost the game 2-1, with Cenk Tosun scoring both goals for the visitors.

Eric Choupo-Moting was on target for the Potters, who had Charlie Adam sent off.

(Image: PA)

On Adam's red card, Lambert said: "I couldn't really see it (at the time) with the weather," said Lambert. "I saw it on the monitor and I can understand why Martin's give the red card.

"If you go in with the studs in the modern-day game you put yourself in a position to be red-carded.

"The ball and the grip becomes more slippy, but I can understand why he's given the red card."