Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has admitted to making a "stupid" mistake when he headbutted Hull City midfielder David Meyler.
The 52-year-old has been issued with a seven-match ban, three of which will not allow him to be in the stadium while he will be prohibited from being on the touchline for the remaining four.
The incident occurred during the Magpies' 4-1 victory over the Tigers at the KC Stadium on March 1.
"I want to reiterate my apologies to [Hull manager] Steve Bruce, David Meyler and fans up and down the country but particularly our own," the Chronicle quotes Pardew as saying. "The fans have been fantastic and so has Mike Ashley (Newcastle owner).
"I had no intention to appeal the decision. I sent a letter to Steve Bruce to say sorry for the incident which happened and I deeply regret it.
"I was stupid. The bottom line is I should not have gone forward when he pushed me. My mistake was in front of millions of people and I had to pay a price."
Assistant manager John Carver will take charge of the team for this weekend's trip to Fulham.
Danielle Joynson
