Newcastle United fines Manager $100,000 for Physically Assaulting Opponent
Newcastle United on Saturday night fined manager, Alan Pardew £100,000 after the manager lost control on the touchline and head-butted Hull City midfielder, David Meyler during his side’s 4-1 win at the KC Stadium on Saturday.
The manager was sent to the stands by the referee, Kevin Friend, in the 72nd minute of the match at the KC Stadium, but that could be the least of his worries.
Newcastle’s action over what they called “unacceptable” behaviour came amid calls from figures within the game for Pardew’s immediate dismissal, with former Newcastle manager Graeme Souness calling it “a sackable offence”. FA chairman, Greg Dyke, responded to the incident by saying the association will investigate it.
Pardew, who has some form when it comes to pitch-side confrontations, can expect a significant ban. The incident was sparked by Pardew taking exception to being moved out of the way by Meyler as he retrieved the ball for a throw-in. Pardew objected to the contact from the home defender and, after squaring up to Meyler as he sought to rejoin play, the manager then head-butted him in the face.
Pardew was contrite after the match, saying: “It was a heat of the moment thing – I massively regret it. I think I’m going to sit down now because that’s two or three incidents I’ve been involved in. I didn’t mean to do anything aggressive but I moved my head and that’s enough.”
Hull’s manager, Steve Bruce, said: “I think Alan knows he’s been stupid and apologised. I haven’t seen [anything like it] before but it’s gone, as far as we’re concerned. We’ve accepted his apology.”
Bruce saw no blame on the part of his player, who was booked. “I’m pleased with David Meyler’s reaction. If he’d rolled around on the floor it could have been a much bigger incident.”
Newcastle, revealing Pardew’s fine, said in a statement: “His behaviour was unacceptable and is not the behaviour we expect from the manager of Newcastle United … Sadly, the headlines tomorrow will not be focused on the result or the efforts of the players, but instead on the actions of our manager. Alan unreservedly apologised immediately following the game to the player, to Hull City and its fans, and to the fans of Newcastle United.
“We have held discussions this evening with Alan … and it is clear he deeply regrets his actions. Alan has accepted a formal warning in relation to his behaviour today and also a club fine of £100,000. The club is now drawing a line under this matter.”
Pardew’s has also had other flashpoints including a confrontation with Arsène Wenger in 2006. He also received a two-match touchline ban in 2012 for pushing the assistant referee Peter Kirkup during a match against Tottenham.
In January, less than a month after having a heated exchange with his Southampton counterpart Mauricio Pochettino, he insulted the Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini after Newcastle’s Cheik Tioté had a goal disallowed, and was sent a letter by the FA reminding him of his responsibilities. This time however, Pardew’s punishment from the authorities is likely to be much more severe.
Saturday’s 4-1 win kept Newcastle in eighth place in the league, two points behind seventh-placed Manchester United, who have a game in hand.