• Premier League

Pardew admits 'relief' after escaping sack

Alan Pardew has thanked Newcastle owner Mike Ashley for his "terrific" support since his headbutt incident involving Hull's David Meyler - and thanked him for not giving him the sack.

Pardew has been banned for seven matches and fined £60,000 by the FA after being sent to the stands during his side's 4-1 win at the KC Stadium on March 1.

The 52-year-old gave a full, unreserved apology after the match, but that did not stop Newcastle fining him £100,000 and issuing him with a formal warning - meaning his total fines reach £160,000.

Pardew was caught on camera headbutting David Meyler during Newcastle's league win at Hull © Getty Images

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Pardew said: "I think I want to reiterate my apologies to David [Meyler] and Steve [Bruce] and fans up and down the country and particularly my own who have been terrific supporting me, and Mike, for a situation I should not have been in.

"It was stupid. It was an independent panel and I was always going to accept their punishment. I sent a letter to Steve to say I was sorry and that I deeply regret it.

"At the time I did not think it was bad as it was on TV. I must have watched it 2,000 times now. The bottom line was I should never have got involved and walked forward when [Meyler] pushed me."

Asked about the possibility of being sacked, Pardew added: "Men make mistakes. I make mine in front of millions of people. When you make a mistake you have to pay a price. It was a hefty price. Mike acted swiftly [with the £100,000 fine]. It is a relief [to keep my job].

"I have to say in this interim period the backing I have had from the club in particular has been a big help because it has been difficult.

"I must become a better manager, I have 678 games and only had one touchline ban. I spoke to the LMA about some consultant issues I could look at. I am going to sit down from now on. I will get my head around it, and the way to take the team forward. But I won't take out my desire to win, and I have to channel it the right way."

The FA's Independent Regulatory Commission ban means Pardew cannot attend the stadium in which Newcastle are playing for their next three matches and then from the touchline for a further four games.

Pardew will not be able to attend the upcoming trip to Fulham and the home games against Crystal Palace and Everton, and will subsequently not be allowed in the technical area for the visit to another of his former clubs, Southampton, or games against Manchester United, Stoke City and Swansea City.

The FA have since claimed they may appeal against the ban.

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