Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has confessed that his headbutt on David Meyler acted as a "turning point" in the club's season.
The incident, which took place in the Magpies' 4-1 victory against Hull City in March, saw the 52-year-old banned from all stadia for three games and also from the dugout for a further four.
Following that victory at the KC Stadium, Newcastle lost seven of their next eight games before stopping the rot against Cardiff City last weekend.
"It's a contrasting season," Pardew is quoted as saying by Goal.com.
"The first half, I actually felt we played not far from our top level for most of that but, in the second half, we haven't been good enough, I haven't been good enough and the results have followed.
"The Hull incident was obviously a turning point I definitely didn't want to have. I think that affected me and the team. I will make sure that never happens again. It stands out, if I'm honest, from anything else."
Newcastle round off their season with a visit to face Liverpool at Anfield.
