LONDON: Newcastle manager Alan Pardew was banned for seven matches on Tuesday for head-butting an opposing player during a Premier League game, further besmirching the reputation of one of English football’s most hot-headed coaches.
Pardew was hit with the heaviest punishment ever inflicted on a Premier League manager, which will involve him initially serving a three-match stadium suspension. He is banned from being on the touchline for the other four games.
“As I have made clear, I deeply regret the incident and again wholeheartedly apologize to all parties for my conduct, which I understand was not acceptable,” Pardew said in a statement released by Newcastle after an FA hearing.
“I will accept the punishment handed down by the FA today.”
Pardew already has been sanctioned by Newcastle, accepting a formal warning and a fine of 100,000 pounds ($168,000), following his confrontation with Hull midfielder David Meyler on March 1.
Meyler initially barged into Pardew as he looked to retrieve the ball for a throw-in in the 72nd minute of the game at KC Stadium. Pardew squared up to Meyler and moved his head in the direction of the player’s face, then was sent to the stands.
The FA also fined Pardew 60,000 pounds ($100,000) and warned him about his future conduct.
Pardew is the first Premier League manager to receive a stadium ban. Earlier this season, then-Blackpool manager Paul Ince received a five-match stadium ban from the FA for violently shoving a fourth official during a rant filled with profanity.
It is the latest touchline incident involving the hot-headed Pardew, who was banned for two matches last season for pushing a linesman and also was warned about his conduct in January after abusing Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini in the technical area.
In light of this latest touchline spat, Pardew said he may have to stay in his seat in the dugout and resist the temptation to get close to the action.
“I’ve always been involved by being on the sideline,” Pardew said. “But I don’t think it can harm my managementship to sit there, and maybe I’m at an age now where I need to.”
Pardew will not be able to attend Craven Cottage for Newcastle’s match at Fulham on Saturday. He will also miss the home games against Crystal Palace and Everton.
Pardew has apologized to Hull and Meyler. Police said no criminal action will be taken against him.
Newcastle is eighth in the Premier League with 10 matches remaining.
Pardew banned for 7 games for head-butting player
