Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew admits his players have enjoyed winding him up this week.
Pardew will start a seven-game ban at Fulham this weekend after his clash with Hull City midfielder David Meyler.
"The players were funny because it was a typical training-ground reaction, a bit of gallows humour," said Pardew.
"They are quite pleased that the gaffer has got it in a nice way, but not without concerns as well. A few of them told me they thought some of the press was over the top.
"I had a pair of boxing gloves in my changing room. I don't know who is responsible for that and I've not even tried to find out. But when all is said and done, it is not a laughing matter and I haven't come here to make jokes about it. That is how players cope with these things, we'd all go mad otherwise.
"Maybe it's a period of redemption for myself. You have to find a way to accept it. That has been the most difficult thing, accept it, not shy away from it. I've said: 'Come on, what are you going to do about it?'"
