Pardew hit with misconduct charge

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has been charged with misconduct by the FA for pushing an assistant referee in his side’s win over Tottenham.

The 51-year-old was sent to the stands during Saturday’s 2-1 win for his angry dispute with Stuart Burt over whether the ball had gone out of play during a Spurs attack at the Sports Direct Arena.

Pardew issued a public apology after the match, in which he labelled his actions as ‘ridiculous’ and ‘stupid’, as well as insisting that he went to say sorry to the officials in person.

An FA statement read: “The FA has today charged Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew with misconduct following his side’s match against Tottenham Hotspur on 18 August 2012.

The Englishman was made to watch from the stands just after Demba Ba gave his side the lead, leaving him helpless to assist when Jermain Defoe equalised.

However, Newcastle did eventually hit back and win the game through a Hatem Ben Arfa penalty.

Newcastle face a Europa League clash with Greek side Atromitos on Thursday.

Pardew could be forced to vacate the touchline when they return to domestic action away at Chelsea on Saturday.