Stoke striker Beattie skips training after alleged bust-up

LONDON - Stoke striker James Beattie missed training Monday following an alleged brawl with manager Tony Pulis after Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Arsenal.

The pair were reported to have come to blows, and Stoke are conducting an internal investigation.

The argument is understood to have been provoked when Pulis demanded players train on Monday, despite having initially been given the day off to recover from Sunday’s Christmas party in London.

Beattie protested and Pulis is believed to have reacted angrily to his response.