Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has been given a two-match ban and fined £20,000 after accepting a charge of improper conduct for shoving assistant referee Peter Kirkup on the opening day of the season, the Football Association have confirmed.
Pardew was immediately contrite after he shoved Kirk up for
missing what he believed to be a throw-in to Newcastle during the
side’s 2-1 win over Tottenham at the Sport Direct Arena.
Spurs’ Aaron Lennon went on to have a shot at goal as play
continued, prompting Pardew’s impulsive reaction.
Referee Martin Atkinson missed the incident but sent Pardew
to the stands after being alerted by fourth official Lee Mason, who was stood
behind Kirkup and Pardew at the time before briefly stepping in to separate the
two.
Pardew shook Mason’s hand before heading for the director’s
box for the remaining 30 minutes of the match and apologized to Kirk up after
the game, but the FA have acted upon Atkinson’s match report.
"Following an Independent Regulatory Commission held today
(Monday 3 September 2012), Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has been given
a two match touchline suspension and fined £20,000 after he accepted an FA
charge of improper conduct.
"Pardew, who requested a personal hearing, was charged
following an incident which occurred during his side's match against Tottenham
Hotspur on 18 August 2012.
"The suspension will take place with immediate
effect."
Pardew will be banned for Newcastle's league games against
Everton on September 17 and Norwich City on September 22.
Speaking at the time, Pardew admitted: "We're overjoyed
about the result but I hold my head in shame.
"I was just saying to the players about the great
Olympics and how to set an example and there's me pushing the linesman over. It
was comical, he just happened to be right in front of me.”
Pardew apologized to Kirkup immediately after the match.
"I went in and said I'm sorry and said I would have to apologies
publicly too because it was ridiculous."