Pardew: I moved my head at Meyler

01 March 2014 17:47

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew was quick to express his regret in the wake of the extraordinary flashpoint which overshadowed his team's 4-1 Barclays Premier League win at Hull.

The game's main talking point arrived in the 72nd minute when Hull midfielder David Meyler barged into Pardew as he looked to retrieve the ball for a throw-in.

The Newcastle manager, no stranger to touchline altercations, squared up to the former Sunderland midfielder before appearing to move his head in the direction of the Irishman.

Referee Kevin Friend certainly viewed it as a serious incident and sent Pardew to the stands, with the FA sure to take a close look at the altercation in the coming days.

Pardew told Sky Sports News afterwards: "It was a heat of the moment thing - I massively regret it."

Pardew, who has had touchline altercations with Paolo Di Canio, Mauricio Pochettino and Maneul Pellegrini in the last year, continued: "I think I'm going to sit down now because that's two or three incidents I've been involved in. I think I'm going to sit now.

"I didn't meant to do anything aggressive but I moved my head forward and that's enough.

"It's a shame because it took the gloss off a fantastic performance from us. That's really upsetting."

Meanwhile, Ladbrokes announced it has suspended betting on the next Premier League manager to lose his job following the incident.

The company's Alex Donohue said: "We wait to see how Pardew's actions are dealt with.

"Keeping the market open during games often keeps us on our toes but we've never come across circumstances like this to date."

Hull boss Steve Bruce added on Sky Sports News: "I think Alan knows he's been stupid and apologised.

"In the heat of the game we all do silly things and I think he regrets it. It's a game of football with emotions.

"I haven't seen it before but it's gone, as far as we're concerned. We've accepted his apology and moved on."

Bruce added: "I'm pleased with David Meyler's reaction too. If he'd rolled around on the floor it could have been a much bigger incident."

Source: PA