Alan Pardew
has been charged by the Football Association with improper conduct and faces a record touchline ban which may extend to a complete stadium expulsion for head-butting Hull City’s
David Meyler
.
The Newcastle manager will accept the charge, described as "serious violent" and "non-standard" by the FA, it is understood. Once the FA receives this a three-person regulatory commission will convene to decide his punishment.
By yesterday evening the governing body had yet to receive the 52-year-old’s guilty plea, though even if this is not lodged before Thursday’s 6pm deadline the case is set to be decided before Newcastle’s next match, the trip to Fulham a week on Saturday.
The FA's designation of Pardew's proceedings as non-standard indicates he is facing what may be an unprecedented, record sanction for a manager. Blackpool's Paul Ince was given a five-game stadium ban and a €4,800 fine for "violently shoving" a fourth official during a 2-1 win over Bournemouth in September.
Two years ago Steve Evans, then the Crawley Town manager, was given a six-game ground expulsion and a €3,600 fine for “abusive and insulting words”.
Formal club warning
As Pardew's head-butt on Meyler may be deemed a greater offence
, he appears set be handed a more severe penalty. Pardew has been fined €120,000 and issued with a formal warning by his club for the incident that occurred during Saturday’s 4-1 victory at the KC Stadium.
If he is banned as expected, John Carver, Newcastle’s assistant manager, will take over. A year ago Carver narrowly escaped a touchline ban after being sent to the stands for approaching Wigan Athletic’s Callum McManaman following his dangerous challenge on Massadio Haidara during Newcastle’s 2-1 win.
The incident involving Carver also included him shouting at Graham Barrow, the Wigan first-team coach. While both were fined by the FA, only Barrow received a touchline ban.
Although when issuing the fine and formal warning Mike Ashley, the Newcastle owner, was minded Pardew would keep his job, a ban that would prevent him from leading the team on match days until next season could test his resolve.
Guardian Service
