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Pardew Giving It That Extra Push For Success

12 years ago
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One less important episode during the Spurs match which has predictably attracted headlines, was the ‘sending off’ of Alan Pardew.

Just in case you didn’t see the incident, the ball clearly went out for a Newcastle throw-in but the linesman didn’t give it, so Alan Pardew gave him a nudge/push to wake him up.

The manager takes up the story;

“There’s me telling my players to behave themselves and follow the Olympic spirit and be humble, and they did it except for me.

It was a stupid moment – the linesman just happened to be standing right in front of me when I thought the ball was out, and I gave him a little shove. I have apologised and I can’t turn the clock back, so I will have to take my punishment”.

Alan Pardew clearly broke the rules by laying hands on an official and it was right to send him to the stands but it was hardly an ‘Eric Cantona’.

I thought the most shameful part was that as the manager realised how stupid he’d been and the fourth official was shepherding him away from the dugout, Pardew went to shake hands with him and the fourth official gave him the kind of look as though he’d insulted his grandmother.

Obviously Pardew’s handshake was a kind of half acceptance of his ‘crime’ and half rueful apology, only after Alan persisted did he in the end shake his hand.

I know there’s always been a fair number of them but in the modern day there seems to be numerous pompous match officials, all looking like they were the kid picked last and nobody really even wanting him then!

Amusing on the TV replays to see Newcastle’s ‘communication’ network springing into action to enable Pardew to communicate with his bench from the stands.

I half expected to see a pigeon emerge from the manager’s pocket, yesterday’s character-fuelled victory certainly suggests he hasn’t lost his magic touch.

The following five matches have already been confirmed as televised live, with no doubt many more to follow.

Chelsea (A) – Saturday, 25th August but also moved to a 5.30pm kick-off (ESPN)

Everton (A) – Monday 17th September 8pm (was Sat 15th Sept) (SKY)

Manchester United (H) – Sunday 7th October 4pm (was Sat 6th Oct) (SKY)

Mackems (A) – Sunday 21st October 1.30pm (was Sat 20th Oct) (SKY)

Liverpool (A) – Sunday 4th November 4pm (was Sat 3rd Nov) (SKY)


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