Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has revealed he has apologised in public and given a cuddle in private to the assistant referee he pushed during his side’s 2-1 win over Spurs.
The Toon boss shoved the official when Gareth Bale was allowed to play on after he thought the ball had gone out of play.
Pardew was sent to the stands after his moment of madness, but admits despite saying sorry he will have to take whatever punishment comes his way on the chin.
“I’ve been saying to the players all week that we’ve had the Olympics so behave yourselves and conduct yourselves in the right way, be humble etcetera, etcetera and I pushed the linesman over," mused the Newcastle manager.
“He just happened to be right in front of me when the incident happened on the sideline and I thought it was out and I just shoved him.
“I didn’t shove him too hard but he stumbled forward and unfortunately all I can do is apologise to him publically, which I have done and privately I just gave him a cuddle and we laughed.
“I can’t do anything about [a possible ban]. I’ve made a mistake and I’ll have to take the punishment that comes my way. It wasn’t malicious.”