Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew is facing a lengthy ban by The Football Association after aiming a headbutt at Hull City's David Meyler during his side's 4-1 Premier League win at the KC Stadium.

Following a series of exchanges between Pardew and Meyler, the pair came together in the 72 minute which saw Pardew sent to the stands by referee Kevin Friend.

The FA have 48 hours to respond to the incident and Pardew is likely to be handed a long touchline ban following an episode for which there is little precedent and overshadows a second successive Newcaslte league win.

"It was a heat of the moment thing," Pardew said following the game. "Obviously I massively regret it and I think i am going to have to sit down from now on because that is two or three incident that I've been involved in on the line and that will be me siting down as manager.

"I didn't mean to do anything aggressive but I did move my head forward and that's enough I think. It was because I was in the situation and being on the side of the line. Perhaps that will teach me to sit down

"It's a shame because it took the gloss off a fantastic performance from us. That's very upsetting as well."

Hull boss Steve Bruce added: "We accept Alan Pardew's apology. He has been big enough and brave enough to come out and apologise which is that you would expect. In the heat of the moment things happen but Alan has apologised."

Former Blackpool manager Paul Ince was banned for five matches after a physical attack on a fourth official earlier in the season having been charged for "violent" conduct by The FA, a punishment Pardew is expected to face.