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.

“But, based on the mitigation presented together with the action taken by both the club and Mr Pardew, the regulatory commission came to the conclusion that the appropriate sanction set out below was fair, reasonable and proportionate and thus ordered as follows: Mr Pardew be warned as to his future conduct; be suspended immediately [three-match stadium ban, four-match touchline ban] until such time as Newcastle United FC has completed seven first team matches. Mr Pardew is fined the sum of £60,000.”