Alan Pardew: "It was a heat of the moment thing"

Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew has apologised for his headbutt on Hull City midfielder David Meyler and has admitted that it was a "heat of the moment thing".

The incident occurred in the 70th minute of the Magpies' 4-1 win over the Tigers at the KC Stadium, when Meyler picked the ball up from the sideline for a throw-in and Pardew confronted him and appeared to headbutt the player.

Referee Kevin Friend and fourth official Howard Webb were forced to intervene. Meyler was yellow-carded, while Pardew was sent to the stands and will most likely face further punishment.

Pardew told BBC Sport: "It was a heat of the moment thing. I massively regret it and I will have to sit down from now on. Of course, I didn't mean to do anything aggressive. I did move my head forward and that's enough.

"Perhaps I need to sit down from now on. It's a shame beacons it's taken the gloss off a terrific performance. Of course I apologise. I represent a big club."

Pardew was warned earlier this season about his behaviour on the touchline after insulting Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini.