LONDON — Newcastle manager Alan Pardew was banned seven games Tuesday for head-butting an opposing player during a Premier League game, further besmirching the reputation of one of English soccer’s most hot-headed coaches.
Pardew was hit with the heaviest punishment ever inflicted on a Premier League manager, which will involve him initially serving a three-game stadium suspension. He is banned from being on the sideline for the other four games.
“As I have made clear, I deeply regret the incident and again wholeheartedly apologize to all parties for my conduct, which I understand was not acceptable,” Pardew said in a statement released by Newcastle after an FA hearing. “I will accept the punishment handed down by the FA today.”
Pardew already has been sanctioned by Newcastle. He accepted a formal warning and a fine of £100,000 ($168,000) following his confrontation with Hull midfielder David Meyler on March 1.
The FA also fined Pardew £60,000 ($100,000) and warned him about his future conduct.
Pardew is the first Premier League manager to receive a stadium ban. Earlier this season, then-Blackpool manager Paul Ince received a five-match stadium ban from the FA for violently shoving a fourth official during a profanity-filled rant.
The suspension is the latest touchline incident involving Pardew, who was banned two games last season for pushing a linesman and also was warned about his conduct in January after abusing Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini in the technical area.
In light of this latest spat, Pardew said he might have to stay in his seat in the dugout and resist the temptation to get close to the action.
“I’ve always been involved by being on the sideline,” Pardew said. “But I don’t think it can harm my managementship to sit there, and maybe I’m at an age now where I need to.”
Pardew has apologized to Hull and Meyler. Police said no criminal action will be taken against him.
Newcastle is eighth in the Premier League with 10 games remaining.
Click here to see Pardew head-butt Meyler >>
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