Stoke City’s 1971 Italy trip was pure chaos—riots, a Vatican meeting, and a bus mix-up.

The Potters’ Anglo-Italian Cup adventure in June 1971 began with a 1-0 win over Roma at the Stadio Olimpico. But the celebration was short-lived. As the final whistle blew, 37,360 angry Roma fans unleashed a riot—firecrackers, tear gas, and thrown stones. Police deployed machine guns to restore order, while Stoke’s players were locked in their changing room for two hours. League standing: 17th in Championship, 55 pts, 15W-10D-21L from 46 games, recent form LLLLD.

The next morning, Stoke’s officials made history. Tony Waddington and chairman Albert Henshall became the first English football figures to meet Pope Paul VI. The Pope blessed the team and gifted them a keepsake, while Henshall presented a Stoke City pennant. Goals this season: 51 scored, 56 conceded (-5 goal difference).

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What turned the Roma game into a riot?

The violence erupted after Stoke’s 57th-minute winner by John Ritchie. Roma’s fans, already on edge, responded with fireworks and attacks on police. One officer suffered a broken leg; another had a chest wound. The chaos only stopped when Italian soldiers with machine guns intervened.

The trip’s second game against Verona was no calmer. Stoke lost 2-1 after two controversial penalties, with referee Keith Walker’s decisions sparking further outrage. Next fixture: vs Watford (at home, 2027-02-13) (16th in the table).

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How did the trip end—and what came next?

Stoke’s return to England was as disorganized as their arrival. A coach mix-up left them stranded at the wrong airport. Yet within months, they lifted the Anglo-Italian Cup—their only major trophy in 12 months. The Pope’s blessing? A fitting end to a season that still stands as Stoke’s most extraordinary off-season.