FA charge Pardew for push on referee

The Football Association has charged Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew with misconduct after he pushed a match official in Saturday’s victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

The St James’ Park boss was banished to the stands on the opening day of the Premier League after shoving referee’s assistant Peter Kirkup.

Pardew’s frustration came at a second-half decision not to award what he thought was a throw-in and he was immediately directed to the stands by referee Martin Atkinson.

After the match, the Newcastle manager was embarrassed by the incident and apologised to Kirkup both privately and in public.

But the FA has still taken action and Pardew, who has until Thursday afternoon to respond to the charge, is facing a touchline ban.

Pardew was particularly embarrassed by his behaviour at the weekend having reminded his players in the build-up to the Tottenham game of the need for correct behaviour.

The Newcastle boss had also asked his squad to replicate the Olympic spirit which had been on show in London this summer.