Stoke boss Tony Pulis insists the club will reserve judgment on Jermaine Pennant's latest alleged indiscretions until after next week's court case.
The 29-year-old winger, who has a history of off-the-field problems, is due to appear at Trafford magistrates court on May 9 charged with drink-driving, driving while disqualified and having no insurance. Pennant was also arrested for allegedly assaulting a woman in a nightclub on the same night, but Pulis is keen to give his player the benefit of the doubt.
The Potters manager said: "He's got his court case on May 9 and let's see what comes out. It's very important that as a football club we wait until we see the facts because we all know what the media can do and how they can influence certain things."
He added: "As soon as we get the facts, then we'll deal with it as a football club, and we'll deal with it in house first. If it's as bad as what they say it is, then we'll take a view. If it's not as bad, then again we'll take a view."
Pennant, who has 12 months left on his contract, has found a starting berth hard to come by for much of the season, although both club and player have always insisted that has not been because of disciplinary factors.
Pulis said: "Whatever Jermaine has done outside of Stoke City, he's done outside of Stoke City. Obviously this affects us because it's inside the football club. The most important thing is to see exactly what happened and then speak to the kid about it.
"Lads are lads. They've got a lot of money but they have a responsibility not only to their football clubs but to the youngsters in the community and everybody in the community. It's very important they understand that."
Pulis, meanwhile, came in for criticism this week from striker Cameron Jerome, who claimed the manager has not given him enough opportunities following his transfer from Birmingham. The 25-year-old came off the bench to score the equaliser in Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Everton and then vented his frustration, which was welcomed by Pulis.
"I'd be very disappointed if he said he was happy," said the Welshman.
"He wants to play and rightly so, they all want to play. But (Peter) Crouch and (Jon) Walters have done well this year. They've been my preferred two. You have to pick it the way you think is right."
Source: PA
