John Carver: 'Alan Pardew's headbutt hurt Newcastle United'

Newcastle United manager John Carver has revealed that Alan Pardew's headbutt on Hull City's David Meyler last year 'damaged' the Magpies' season.

Pardew, who was Newcastle's boss at the time, was given a four-match ban and a £60,000 fine for his conduct in the technical area, which Carver thinks was 'out of character' for the now Crystal Palace head coach.

"I saw the two of them come together, but I wasn't sure whether there was any movement," Carver told The Mirror.

"When I saw the replay... well, he got punished, fined and suspended. You can't do it, can you. I wouldn't do it. At least not in the technical area!

"It did disrupt the season a little. The manager was up in the stand, in a hotel for one game and he was still picking the team but couldn't be there, so it was very difficult for him. I can guarantee there won't be that commotion on Saturday."

The Magpies travel to Hull City this weekend as Carver goes toe to toe with Steve Bruce.