Newcastle United have fined manager Alan Pardew £100,000 and given him a formal warning for headbutting Hull City midfielder David Meyler.
Pardew, 52, was sent to the stand for the incident during the second half of the Magpies’ 4-1 win at the KC Stadium.
“We have held discussions with Alan, who has offered his sincere apologies,” said a club statement. “It is clear he deeply regrets his actions.”
The Football Association said it will “investigate” the incident.
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.”
In their statement, released six hours after Saturday’s game ended, Newcastle said Pardew’s actions were “unacceptable” and “not the behaviour we expect from the manager”.
The club added: “It is most disappointing that this incident has taken the focus away from what was a fantastic performance by the team and an excellent result away from home which leaves the club in eighth place in the Premier League.”
Written by Steve Milne
Follow me on twitter @stevenmilnelive
