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Striker’s Bold Claims About City’s Star
Manchester City defender John Stones has found himself at the centre of controversy after former EFL striker Tom Pope labelled him a “f***ing s***bag” on social media. The heated exchange began when Pope, now 39, took to Twitter to express his belief that Stones is “soft,” despite acknowledging the player’s impressive skills and hefty salary.
Pope’s Twitter Rant Sparks Attention
Pope’s tweet read: “I know he’s on £150k a week, I know he’s a million times better player than me but I’d love to play against John Stones every week! I’d get 40 a season!” Accompanied by the hashtags “soft” and “weakas****,” the post quickly gained traction.
FA Cup Clash Offers Pope a Chance
As luck would have it, the two faced off in the FA Cup in January 2020 when Manchester City drew Port Vale. Although City triumphed with a 4-1 victory, Pope managed to score, leaving him with a memorable moment at the Etihad Stadium.
Inside the Dressing Room Banter
After the match, Pope recounted an amusing encounter in the City dressing room, where he was coaxed in by Raheem Sterling and Benjamin Mendy. While the atmosphere was light-hearted, Stones was reportedly less than amused by Pope’s earlier comments.
Pope’s Take on Stones’ Performance
During an appearance on the ‘I Had Trials Once’ podcast, Pope reflected on Stones’ playing style, describing him as a “target man’s dream.” He expressed admiration for Stones’ technical ability but maintained that he would relish the opportunity to go up against him on the pitch.
The Aftermath: A Tense Exchange
When pressed about Stones’ success, Pope didn’t hold back, reiterating his strong opinions about the defender. He shared how he felt the need to confront Stones directly, questioning how a player of his calibre could let a comment from a lower-league player affect him so deeply.
Pope’s Football Journey
Pope enjoyed a prolific career, scoring over 100 goals for Port Vale and also playing for Rotherham, Bury, and Crewe. His candid remarks about Stones highlight the competitive spirit that often exists between players, regardless of their status in the football hierarchy.
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