England’s FA on Monday confirmed that it contacted Alan Pardew about his expletive-heavy tirade aimed at Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini duringNewcastle’s 2-0 home loss to City on Sunday, although the organizing body for British soccer decided against formally disciplining the Magpies’ coach.
Pardew was furious aboutreferee Michael Jones’ decision to disallow a stunning hit from distance from Newcastle midfielder Chieck Tiote due to an offside that the referee thought hadcaused City goalkeeper Joe Hart to lose sight of the ball. However, replays showed that the goal should have been allowed. Pardew later launched an angry tirade at Pellegrini astempers flared on the touchline, but the FA has decided to only issue a warning to the Newcastle manager, who issued an apology to the Chilean in his post-match press conference.
“I hear thatit’s been picked up a little bit, and I apologize for my comments 100 percent,” Pardew said. “It was a heat of the moment thing. We just had words that we always have as managers, to a degree. Ihave apologized to him and fortunately for myself, he has accepted that.”
Pellegrini, who accepted the apology, said his only gripe with Pardew was the way he criticized Jones’ everydecision. “I’m not surprised because I think it’s impossible to complain about every decision of the referee during the match,” he said. “I know they were playing at home and they have anadvantage in that sense, but it’s impossible for the referee if you are complaining at every decision. That was my only problem with Alan, but nothing important.”