Pardew 'Clinging to Job' After Meyler Clash

Pardew 'Clinging to Job' After Meyler Clash

Sunday, 2 March 2014

Alan Pardew is the talk of the media after appearing to aim a headbutt at David Meyler during Newcastle’s win over Hull, and the Mail's Bob Cass feels the manager is on thin ice at St James' Park.

Newcastle were in cruise control at the KC Stadium midway through the second half, when Pardew and Meyler became involved in an altercation on the touchline.

Pardew appeared to lean his head towards Meyler, with both sets of players piling in before order was restored.

Pardew, who was sent to the stands, has denied throwing a head, claiming in the heat of the moment he leaned forward.

I don't accept it was a headbutt as it was not a quick movement but I did move my head in a forward direction and you can't do that. I was simply trying to get the lad out of my way but it simply all flared up around me. I've apologised to the player and to Hull.

Despite the denial of a headbutt, Newcastle acted swiftly and meted out a £100,000 fine and a formal warning.

Cass makes it clear in his piece that the matter will not end there. He claims the Football Association will likely hand out a ban until the end of the season.