City manager plays down Pardew spat

MANUEL Pellegrini played down a furious touchline spat with Newcastle counterpart Alan Pardew as Manchester City climbed back to the top of the Barclays Premier League table.

The Chilean found himself on the wrong end of an expletive–laden rant from Pardew during the first–half of a controversial encounter at St James’ Park.

But Pellegrini wasn’t concerned by the verbal volley but with his opposite number’s running battle with the match officials as City won 2–0.

He said: “I’m not surprised; I think it is impossible to complain about every decision of the referee during the match. It's impossible for the referee if you are complaining at every decision.

“That was my only problem with Alan, but nothing important.”

Pardew was contrite after discovering that his comments had been clearly audible, and apologised to the City boss.

Strikes from in–form striker–partners Edin Dzeko and Alvaro Negredo provided the book–ends to an enthralling contest.