Newcastle refuse to fire Alan Pardew

Newcastle's chairman Mike Ashley has refused to fire Alan Pardew in the wake of the manager's controversial headbutt of David Meyler in yesterday's 4-1 defeat of Hull City.

Alan Pardew sensationally headbutted the midfielder on the touchline and was immediately sent to the stands for the remainder of the game.

Pardew has subsequently been fined by his club but it appears he will not be fired by Mike Ashley, after being given a vote of confidence from the club's manager.

The FA will be reviewing the incident next week and it is expected that Pardew will be banned from watching some or all of the remainder of Newcastle's Premier League campaign.