Alan Pardew head-butt: Newcastle manager charged by FA, but incident is 'non-standard', meaning lengthy ban could be imposed

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has been charged with improper conduct by the FA following his head-butt on Hull City player David Meyler.

The shocking incident occurred during Newcastle's victory over Hull in the Premier League on Saturday with FA action always a formality.

An FA statement added: "Due to the serious violent and/or aggressive nature of the reported behaviour this case has been designated as non-standard."

Due to the "non-standard" element of the charge, Pardew could be hit with a heavier punishment than is normal for an incident of 'improper conduct'.

Paul Ince, while still manager of Blackpool, was given a five-match 'stadium ban' earlier this season for ranting at a fourth official.

While some called on Newcastle to sack Pardew over the incident, including Graeme Souness, the club opted to fine their manager £100,000 and issue him with a formal warning.

"Newcastle United are disappointed with the actions of its manager Alan Pardew this afternoon," read a statement from the club.

"His behaviour was unacceptable and is not the behaviour we expect from the manager of Newcastle United."

Pardew himself quickly apologised for his actions, which was swiftly accepted by Hull counterpart Steve Bruce. However, it is not the first time the second-longest serving manager in the Premier League has been in trouble. He served a two-match touchline ban for shoving a referee's assistant on the opening day of last season while earlier in this campaign he verbally insulted Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini.

The former West Ham manager has until 6pm on Thursday to respond to the FA charge. He will not face action from the police.