Apology and club fine saved Pardew from longer ban

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew could have been handed a five-match stadium ban and a bigger fine for his head-butt on Hull midfielder David Meyler.

The independent regulatory commission before which Pardew appeared on March 11 released the written reasons for its decision yesterday, and revealed that its punishment might have been more severe. Pardew was ultimately handed a three-match stadium ban and four more from the touchline, as well as a £60,000 fine.

But the commission said: “In considering the sanction to be imposed, the commission considered initially a five-match stadium ban and a higher fine.