Former Newcastle player Vurnon Anita has been chatting to The Chronicle about his time at St James’ Park, and he’s shared his views on one incident in particular – Alan Pardew’s headbutt on David Meyler.
The Magpies coasted to a 4-1 win over Hull City on that day in 2014, with Anita scoring his first Premier League goal for the club. However, it was sadly overshadowed by Pardew’s moment of madness, which landed him a £100,000 fine and a seven-match touchline ban as the BBC reported.
Speaking to The Chronicle about the incident, the Dutchman said: ‘It was an afternoon I will never forget. That incident was a hot topic after the game and everybody was talking about it. So much that nobody spoke about my first goal!’
Meyler shoved Pardew in an attempt to retrieve the ball quickly, hoping to spur the Tigers onto a comeback.
It was that which triggered the ex-West Ham boss into his moment of madness, and it’s interesting to see Anita’s views on his former manager’s actions six years down the line.
Now 31 years of age, our former No.8 is playing for RKC Waalwijk in the Eredivisie.
Anita enjoyed a rollercoaster during his time at St James’ Park, making 155 appearances as he suffered the lows of relegation under Rafa Benitez, but also the high of winning the Championship under the Spaniard.
The former Ajax player also enjoyed a memorable Europa League run with the Magpies, and it’s clear from his interview that he still holds Newcastle in high regard.
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