Pardew's touchline antics - Passion or petulance?

Alan Pardew has come in for some criticism from some quarters after his 'energetic' reactions whilst on the touchline against Sunderland.

There was certainly some bite to the affair, and the duelling between Alan Pardew and Martin O'Neill on the sidelines added to the whole spectacle for me. Both benches were well immersed into the game and reacted accordingly.

Martin O'Neill had to be "restrained" (hid behind) by the fourth official when having a pop at Pardew who responded by goading his opposite number. Frazier Campbell was another who got involved in the touchline antics, as he gestured towards the home fans sat behind the dugout after his side took the lead. Andy Woodman is another who got involved although he paid the price and was sent to the stands for the second half.

Some fans are saying that Pardew was wrong to react in the way he did, but I disagree. I quite enjoyed seeing the manager of the team getting animated on the touchline as it showed how much it meant to him. Passion. He was there kicking every ball and was right behind his players, sticking up for them if he felt they were on the end of rough treatment and supporting them all the way.

What do you think of it though? Is Pardew right to get a bit of a blast from fans for doing what he did on Sunday? Was it nice to see a manager get carried away with the spectacle and show that he is committed to the cause?

Your thought son this please.