Thursday, 13th March, 2014
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has said that he never had any intention of fighting the Football Association's decision after being punished for his headbutt on Hull midfielder David Meyler earlier this month.
The FA announced that the Magpies boss will serve a seven-match ban with immediate effect.
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The Independent Regulatory Commission also specified that the 52-year-old be given a stadium ban for the first three matches while the remaining four will be a touchline ban.
The punishment means that the Newcastle boss is the first Premier League manager to serve a stadium ban.
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"I had no intention to appeal the decision whatever it was, and therefore was going to accept what they decided to do," Pardew was quoted as saying by ITV.
"It was an independent panel and it was a decision that I was going to accept.
"I just want to reiterate my apologies, to David and Steve [Bruce] in particular, to fans up and down country, but particularly my own at Newcastle who have been terrific, and the club and Mike [Ashley] for supporting me over a situation I should never have got involved in and was stupid.
"I sent a letter to Steve to say there was no animosity on my side towards David, and to say sorry basically for the incident that happened. I deeply regret it."
Newcastle take on league strugglers Fulham next on Saturday, which will be the first game after the event at the KC Stadium and the manager feels that the team have enough talent to cope without him.
"Our game plan is in place.
"It's a big game for us and Fulham and we will be looking to get a win," Pardew added.
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