LONDON (AP):

Stoke striker Ricardo Fuller was sent off yesterday for slapping his captain, Andy Griffin, after West Ham equalised on the way to a 2-1 win.

As their Stoke teammates tried to restart the match after the goal, the pair became embroiled in a heated exchange near the centre circle, which led to referee Michael Jones dismissing Fuller.

"There's no condoning what (Fuller's) done," Stoke manager Tony Pulis said. "He's walked up to Griff and clipped him on the chin and it's disappointing. I'll talk to them both and deal with it on Monday (today).

"Ric is a volatile player and a volatile person and what he's done will be dealt with."

Griffin had been turned by Carlton Cole in the 51st minute as the West Ham forward cancelled out Abdoulaye Faye's fourth-minute header.

Galvanised by their goal and unexpected numerical advantage, West Ham pushed for a winner, which came in the 88th when Diego Tristan deflected Cole's shot into the net.