Pardew to face ban after shoving official

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew could be hit with a touchline ban after he shoved referee’s assistant Stuart Burt during his side’s 2-1 win over Tottenham. Pardew lunged in frustration towards Burt when he believed Spurs defender Benoit Assou-Ekotto had dragged the ball over the touchline, and was immediately sent to the stands by referee Martin Atkinson. Former West Ham and Southampton boss Pardew described his actions as “stupid” and “inexcusable” after Saturday’s match at St James’ Park and revealed that he had gone to Burt and Atkinson to apologise. Pardew said: “It was ridiculous and I apologised publicly. He was right in front of me and I thought the ball was out and I shoved him. I went to see him and told him it was stupid and I don’t know what I was thinking.” However, that is unlikely to spare Pardew further sanction, with the Football Association — who said they would not comment on the incident until they receive Atkinson’s report on Monday.