For it was back in 2014 that the now out of work Pards was forced to apologise to the man for calling him a “f…..g old c…t on a bad tempered afternoon at St James’ Park where he was boss at the time.
Pardew claimed he swore at his counterpart after being provoked by the Chilean but he was already upset when Newcastle’s Cheik Tioté saw a goal ruled out for offside after City had taken the lead.
In the heat of the moment we had words as we managers always have.”
When questioned if such rudeness really is that commonplace on the touchline, Newcastle’s manager changed tack. “Not it isn’t,” he conceded. “But I have apologised to him. And fortunately he’s accepted.”
Pellegrini was gracious saying: “Nothing’s broken. It was nothing important. It’s not a problem. I was surprised he was complaining at every decision of the referee but it’s a very big result for us at a very difficult stadium.
Chelsea and Manchester United know how difficult it is to play against Newcastle. They are very strong, very physical and powerful.”