If Newcastle fans needed any proof that Alan Pardew is pretty much untouchable as manager under Mike Ashley beyond his dire performance record, they got it in March 2014, when the fiery manager brought the game into disrepute in some style. As Newcastle made hard work of a rare victory in the second half of the season, Pardew was sent to the stands for unthinkably head butting David Meyler in response to a petulant push by the Hull player. Meyler was understandably disturbed by being "moved" with Pardew's head and showed with typical restraint how upset he was, requiring restraint from most of Hull's team and two officials. Inevitably Pardew made an excuse, before apologising and was banned for seven games, with a £160,000 fine all told. Pardew actually had previous with Hull. In 2007 he had "broken up" a fight between Lloyd Sam and Ian Ashbee; both were sent off and Pardew was accused of making matters worse by trying to help.
