Alan Pardew infamously headbutted David Meyler during Newcastle United's 4-1 win over Hull City in March 2014.
Alan Pardew and David Meyler have finally squashed the beef 12 years on from their infamous touchline row.
In March 2014, as Newcastle United led 3-1 at Hull City, former Toon boss Pardew headbutted Tigers midfielder Meyler. Goals from Loic Remy, Vurnon Anita and a Moussa Sissoko brace completed a 4-1 rout but the post-match headlines focused elsewhere.
Newcastle released a statement hours after the full-time whistle confirming Pardew would be fined £100,000 for his actions. The FA later punished him with a further £60,000 bill and a seven-game touchline ban.
Alan Pardew and David Meyler reunite
Over a decade on from the scandal, Pardew and Meyler have reunited. The duo met at Wembley Stadium as Hull faced Middlesbrough in the Championship play-off final.
Ex-Toon boss Pardew covered the game as a commentator for talkSPORT. As for Meyler - now an assistant coach at Cork City - he was invited as a former Hull player. The Tigers earned promotion to the top flight for the first time since relegation in 2017.
How Alan Pardew reacted in 2014
Pardew dug himself a hole in his post-match interview by claiming he simply tried to push Meyler with his head. He said: "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.
“I apologise to everyone. I should not have gotten involved in it. I don't think it was a headbutt. It wasn't a motion that was quick."
A hilarious consequence of the incident is how Newcastle benefited globally. Our sister title, the Gazette, spoke to a Toon fan from Japan during the 2024 pre-season tour who began following the club due to Pardew’s headbutt.
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