Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has received a warning from the Football Association after comments relating to the referee ahead of last month's derby with Sunderland, it was confirmed Tuesday.
The FA said in a statement Pardew had been "warned to his future conduct" over remarks made before the August 20 clash with the Black Cats.
Although Pardew had denied the charge and requested a personal hearing, the FA's regulatory commission ruled "the case was found proven."
It is believed the remarks in question were those Pardew made about Newcastle's then midfielder Joey Barton, who has since been sold to QPR.
"The referee needs to make sure he referees the game from a completely neutral point of view because Joey has been in the press a fair bit this week - more than Joey would have liked and more than I would like - and I'm sure he'll get a mention in Sunderland's game plan," Pardew was quoted as saying.
"He's a very, very good player and they'll need to stop him but I've got no qualms about throwing Joey in there, no doubts at all. But the referee will need to be astute."
Under FA rules, managers and players are forbidden from making comments about appointed match officials prior to any game.
Source: AFP
