Newcastle United may have secured a 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League at St James’ Park yesterday, but for Magpies manager Alan Pardew it was far from a comfortable day at the office, as he was given his marching orders for a push on the assistant referee.
The incident happened when it looked as though Gareth Bale had taken the ball out of play, but the linesman deemed that the whole of the ball hadn’t crossed the whole of the line and Spurs were allowed to continue playing.
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50,000 Newcastle fans in St James’ Park and Pardew were enraged by this and in a moment of madness Pardew pushed assistant referee Peter Kirkup, which resulted in him being sent off by referee Martin Atkinson.
If Atkinson mentions the incident in the match report, which you’ll assume he will, Pardew could face a fine or a ban despite his attempts to apologise and play down the whole affair after the match.
Pardew said: “I did an absolutely ridiculous thing and I apologise to our fans, because that is unacceptable. I’ve since apologised to him and given him a cuddle but I don’t think that’s going to save me.”
Here is the incident in question…
What do you think about the incident and the sort of punishment Alan Pardew should get? While it is being blown out of proportion, football referees and officials need to be given more respect.
Pardew has admitted he was in the wrong and he should be punished accordingly.
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His biggest mistake was trying to make light of it afterwards – and to minimise it. He said it was silly and ridiculous – no argument there – but his tone was joky and laddish instead of contrite and shameful. Words like inexcusable and unprofessional might have been more appropriate. I was right in line with the incident and he was angry – perhaps rightly so – but you should never raise your hands to an official. In the linesman’s defence, Toon player was right on the touchline between him and the ball. I think it was an understandable mistake on his part – but it wasn’t on Pardew’s. At least a 3 match ban, maybe more.
N.O.B