Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew denies headbutting Hull City midfielder David Meyler during their 4-1 win yesterday. Pardew was sent off in the 72nd minute, referee Kevin Friend adjudging the Magpies boss to the be main aggressor in an ugly tussle sparked when Meyler barged into the 52-year-old while attempting to retrieve the ball for a throw-in.
"He was right on top of me and I wanted to just ease him away from me but obviously I put my head in a forward motion. I want to apologise to him, everyone at Hull and obviously my own fans as well," said Pardew.
"I don't think it was a headbutt. It wasn't a motion that was quick.
"Sometimes when you're on the sideline like that you can get involved in a moment like that. It was an incident that just flared up all around me. I just wanted to get him away, but with the forward motion...you can't do that.
"Of course, I'm not stupid enough to accept there's going to be no punishment. I'll have to accept whatever comes my way.
"I believe my behaviour over the years has not resulted in too many fines and sitting in the stands, but this one probably will."
