London – Hull City manager Steve Bruce has accepted a letter of apology from Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew over the latter's head-butting moment of madness in a Premier League match earlier this month.
Pardew, who is to seek “management counselling”, is barred from the stadium for the next three fixtures, starting with Saturday's trip to Fulham, and will then serve a four-game touchline ban as punishment for his clash with Hull's David Meyler.
Pardew revealed Thursday that he had sent a letter of apology to Meyler over the incident, and Bruce said he was now keen to draw a line under the incident.
“As far as we're concerned we accept his apology - all of us in the heat of the moment could look back at times and think, 'what the hell have I done that for?',” said Bruce.
“I'm sure Alan will look at himself and think exactly the same thing. In the cold light of day he's been punished heavily and I don't think he'll be going to the races this week.
“I hope it's over - it certainly is as far as we're concerned and I'm sure Alan will make sure it doesn't happen again.” – Sapa-AFP