Stoke City Bought Saido Berahino Despite Knowing About Previous Drug Ban

Saido Berahino finally left West Brom in January after what seemed like two years of the former England under 21 striker trying to get out of the Hawthorns. But the striker was banned for a failed drugs test earlier this season.

Berahino has been trying to force a move out of the Hawthorns ever since Spurs became interested in him around 18 months ago. Despite making three bids on the last day of the transfer window the Baggies wouldn't let him leave.

At one point Berahino said he'd never play for West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace again. Eventually peace did break out between the club and player but he spent a majority of his time on the bench.

In January he finally got a move, this time to Stoke, for £12 million. Today the Daily Mail are reporting that Mark Hughes signed the 23 year old despite knowing that he failed a drugs test for a recreational drug in September and served an eight week suspension for it.

Hughes talked about the ban during his pre match press conference leading up to the weekend's game against West Brom saying, "We're aware of it clearly. It was an FA disciplinary matter. Saido had an eight-week suspension, I don't think it as three months. We were aware of it."

And the former Wales and Manchester City boss also confirmed that the Burundi born striker will be playing on his return to the Hawthorns adding, "We've got him in the building now, and he's looking forward to the game tomorrow. We'll play him, why wouldn't we?"

_{Check out our England what might have been XI:}

Tony Pulis also approached the subject of the ban in his pre match press conference saying, "He served a ban when he was here at West Brom. I don't want to comment on the reason why. Saido never played for me, or didn't play regularly for me, because he was not fit enough for whatever reason.

"What has gone has gone, people make mistakes and I'm not going to condone anyone who has made mistakes, certainly not Saido. The reason Saido didn't play for me because he was not fit enough."

The problems Berahino has been having this season, with fitness and the ban, are just proof that he probably should have been allowed to leave the Midlands earlier than he did.

Pulis will be hoping the curse of the ex player doesn't hit on the weekend.

Topics: West Brom, Drugs, Stoke City

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

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