Stoke City sought assurance from Tottenham that Spurs players will shake the hand of Charlie Adam should he make the starting line-up for today's match .

A rumour surfaced yesterday suggesting some of the visiting side would snub Adam because of ill feeling towards the playmaker. The Scot has been the instigator of a number of controversial tackles in games against Tottenham and Paulinho was out for a month after being felled by Adam in the reverse fixture in December.

Tottenham complained to the Football Association, who took no action, while Stoke were unhappy with Spurs midfielder Sandro for posting a picture on social media with the message: "Charlie Adam - the beast [Sandro's nickkname] is watching you."