'I feel cheated - when do Stoke City get our FA Cup?'

Stoke City fans have been left feeling cheated since the verdict came down that Manchester City had broken the majority of the 115 financial rules they were accused of breaching. While the process is not yet concluded, as Manchester City is expected to appeal, this decision has left a bitter taste in the mouth of many supporters.

The FA Cup final of 2011 holds a special place in the hearts of Stoke fans, being one of the highlights of their 50 years in football as either players or managers. That day in May was also a cherished memory for all Stoke supporters who followed their team to Wembley, dreaming of finally winning the prestigious competition for the first time in their club's long history.

Manchester City, at that time, were just starting their domination of English football, having not won a major trophy in 35 years. However, they were a team that cost well above anything Stoke City could ever aspire to in terms of transfer fees and wages. Walking out before kick-off, fans could see their end of the ground decked in red and white, hearing the incredible rendition of Delilah from the supporters.

Many of these fans had come from all corners of the world, spending or borrowing fortunes to attend, just to say they were there. For the Coates family, who had financially backed the club through good times and bad, it was their one day in the sun. The club's players, against all odds, played a fantastic game, giving a fully committed performance despite the challenge of facing a team full of superstars and an elite coach in Roberto Mancini.

After the match, disappointment was buried in the fact that Stoke had played against such a strong team. However, with Manchester City now found guilty of breaking the financial rules set by the Premier League, the disappointment has increased. Fans are demanding that City give back the 2011 FA Cup and the winners' medals, but this seems unlikely.

While a points deduction and a hefty fine are more probable, the fact remains that Stoke City will never get that day back, nor have the chance to celebrate around Stoke-on-Trent with the cup and medals they so honestly fought for.