Tony Pulis has expressed feeling "cheated" following Stoke City's defeat to Manchester City in the 2011 FA Cup final, especially after reports emerged that City breached Premier League financial rules.

The Premier League has laid over 100 charges against Manchester City, covering violations from 2009 to 2018, which includes the memorable match settled by a goal from Yaya Toure. As City prepares to appeal the judgment, Pulis believes that Stoke fans have valid reasons to feel aggrieved about missing out on the trophy.

In his BBC Sport column, Pulis stated:

• “When do we get our FA Cup? That is what all Stoke fans have been asking me since the news broke.”
• He acknowledged that while he does not expect Manchester City to return the 2011 FA Cup or their winners' medals, he anticipates a points deduction and significant fines instead.

Pulis lamented the loss, stating:

• “We won’t ever get that day back and the chance to celebrate around Stoke-on-Trent.”
• He highlighted the disappointment of losing to a team that has since been found guilty of financial misconduct.

The Premier League has yet to comment on the verdict, and no sanctions have been announced. Khaldoon al-Mubarak, president of Manchester City, reiterated that the club's stance remains unchanged nearly two years post-hearing.

Reflecting on the impact of the reported verdict, Pulis noted how it shifted his perspective on the final, emphasizing that City’s success came at the expense of fair competition. He questioned what the consequences would ultimately be for the club's rule-breaking, as they dominated English football for over a decade.