Alan Pardew, the Newcastle manager, may learn within 24 hours how the Football Association will deal with his headbutt at Hull City.
The 52-year-old was fined £100,000 and severely reprimanded by his club on Saturday night after pushing his head into the face of Hull midfielder David Meyler on the touchline during his side's 4-1 Barclays Premier League victory at the KC Stadium.
It is understood that while owner Mike Ashley was furious with his manager, he considers the matter dealt with and Pardew's job is not at risk. However, it seems inevitable that the FA will act.
They will consider match referee Kevin Friend's report, after which Pardew will probably face an FA charge, a lengthy touchline ban and another sizeable fine.
He and Meyler came into contact as the player chased a ball over the sideline with the home side trailing 3-1. The Newcastle manager reacted angrily and thrust his head towards the midfielder, who confronted him.
Players from both sides tried to intervene before Friend took charge, booking Meyler before sending Pardew to the stands. Pardew later issued an apology, accepted by opposite number Steve Bruce.
League Managers Association chief executive Richard Bevan said: "The buck stops with Alan. It's unacceptable, inappropriate and insupportable. He does need to think hard about how not to put himself in that position again."
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