10 Worst Decisions Alan Pardew Has Made As Newcastle Boss

3. Losing His Head At Hull

This has the potential to be one of the most shameless attempts to administer context to a headbutt in the history of the human race. Let's be honest, only Pardew would have the brass neck to rationalise such wanton behaviour from a Premier League manager even when the irrefutable evidence of his misconduct was beamed out to millions of startled viewers via television and social media.

"I did not mean any damage to the guy but I have moved my head forward. I tried to push him away with my head," he said.

Granted the skirmish was initially provoked by Hull midfielder David Meyler needlessly pushing Pardew as he retrieved the ball from the technical area and the headbutt was bereft of force, there was notable intent. His previous inability to exercise restraint is noted and for a 52-year-old man to acquit himself in that manner on the touchline was particularly nauseating.

Endeavouring to justify the act really took the biscuit and, irrespective of how apologetic Pardew was in the aftermath, it should have resulted in his expulsion to the dole queue instead of a Club enforced fine and a brief stadium ban from the FA's laissez-faire disciplinary committee.