FA ruling could leave Newcastle without their boss for months

Newcastle could be without their manager for a number of months after Alan Pardew headbutted Hull’s David Meyler during the Magpies’ 4-1 win at the weekend.

Pardew was seen to push his head into the Tigers midfielder’s after Meyler barged Pardew out of the way to get to the ball for a throw in.

The former West Ham boss, who has a colourful history when it comes to touchline spats, was sent to the stands for the remainder of the match and instantly apologised in his media interviews after the full time whistle blew.

Pardew said: ““He was right on top of me. I’ve tried to ease him away from me but I’ve put my head there in a forward motion and you can’t do that. I’d like to apologise to him, to everyone at Hull and particularly to my own fans as well at Newcastle,” adding that he deeply regrets his actions.

In the furore of media coverage following the incident, Ladbrokes suspended betting on their Next Manager to Leave market amid rumours that Newcastle owner Mike Ashley was considering Pardew’s position. The grey-haired boss had been 25/1 to be the next boss axed prior to his rush of blood.

It seems the 52-year-old will escape the chop though, as the St James’ Park club took the decision to fine their manager £100,000 and issue him with a formal warning, before insisting that the punishment would be their last word on the matter.

So with his job seemingly safe, Pardew must wait to hear his fate from the FA, who will likely dole out another hefty fine along with a possible touchline or stadium ban.

Newcastle’s next game isn’t until March 15 against Fulham, by which time Pardew could well have learnt his fate.

Their victory over Hull took them to within five points of Everton in sixth place, but they remain lengthy outsiders to win a Europa League spot for next season.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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