Alan Pardew: Newcastle United boss banned for seven games

Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew has been handed a seven-game ban for his headbutt on Hull's David Meyler, a Premier League record for a manager.

Pardew clashed with the Republic of Ireland midfielder in the 72nd minute of his side's 4-1 win on 1 March.

An independent Football Association commission ruled the first three matches imposed are a stadium ban with the remaining four a touchline ban.

Pardew, 52, was also fined £60,000 and warned as to his future conduct.

It is the first stadium ban for a Premier League manager.

Pardew told the club's website: "As I have made clear, I deeply regret the incident and again wholeheartedly apologise to all parties for my conduct, which I understand was not acceptable.

"I will accept the punishment handed down by the FA. My focus now turns to preparing the team for this weekend's game against Fulham and finishing the season as strongly as possible."

Pardew was fined £100,000 by his club hours after the incident and given a formal warning.

With the Magpies 3-1 up, Pardew was angered when Meyler shoved past him in an attempt to retrieve the ball to take a throw-in.

The pair came together, with the former Reading and Southampton boss pushing his head into the face of the Hull player.

A fracas involving players and staff from both sides followed and, when the crowd was dispersed, Meyler was booked and Pardew sent from the touchline.

Speaking after the match, Pardew said: "I did not mean any damage to the guy but I have moved my head forward. I tried to push him away with my head.

"I apologise to everyone. I should not have got involved in it.

"I don't think it was a headbutt. It wasn't a motion that was quick."

- BBC.co.uk