Coach Alan Pardew found himself unable to resist temptation during his team’s victory (3-1) against Hull City in the 28th day of the Premier League. While standing along the touchline, he headbutted a midfielder from the opposing team, reacting to being pushed back by the player who was attempting to retrieve the ball.
Despite immediately expressing his regret, he now faces the possibility of a significant suspension.
“It happened in the heat of the moment,” he later explained to Sky Sports. “I deeply regret my actions, and in the future, it would be wiser for me to remain composed. I certainly had no intention of physically engaging with him. My instinct took over, and I leaned in. I apologize sincerely because I am representing a prestigious club, and this incident adds to a few others in which I have been involved.”
The president of the English Football Association has announced the launch of an investigation into the incident.
This is not the first time Pardew has been embroiled in controversies involving altercations with fellow coaches, including Paolo Di Canio, Mauricio Pochettino, and Manuel Pellegrini, dating back to last year.
