Former Premier League striker Marlon Harewood has shared a fascinating behind-the-scenes account of the infamous 2006 touchline confrontation between managers Alan Pardew and Arsene Wenger, revealing how West Ham players teased their boss that he would have been "beaten up" by the Arsenal icon.
Dramatic Late Winner Sparks Touchline Chaos
Nearly two decades ago, West Ham United hosted Arsenal at Upton Park in a Premier League encounter where the Gunners were heavily favoured. With the match seemingly heading for a goalless draw as the 90th minute approached, substitute Marlon Harewood changed everything.
The striker tapped home a crucial late cross to secure a dramatic victory for the Hammers, sparking wild celebrations. Harewood wheeled away in jubilation, removing his shirt, while manager Alan Pardew directed his own enthusiastic gestures toward the Arsenal bench.
Wenger's Fury and Physical Confrontation
Arsene Wenger, incensed by what he perceived as disrespectful celebrations, responded with physical force. The French manager shoved Pardew, leading to a heated face-to-face confrontation where Wenger could be heard calling his counterpart "a disgrace."
The incident concluded without a post-match handshake between the managers, with Wenger later receiving a £10,000 fine from the Football Association for his actions.
Dressing Room Revelations and Teasing
Speaking on the In The Mixer podcast brought to you by Sky Bet, Harewood revealed the dressing room atmosphere following the victory. "We were hammering him and saying, 'You'd get beat up,'" the former striker confessed.
"I didn't even know [they fought] because I was celebrating. Then we sat down in the dressing room and we had a big screen in front of us and saw the confrontation. We were like, 'Pards, what are you doing? You're gonna get beaten up!'"
Harewood's Relationship with Pardew
The former West Ham forward also reflected on his professional relationship with Pardew, who had signed him as one of his first acquisitions. "At that time it was amazing because I think I was one of his first signings," Harewood recalled.
"He said, 'It's gonna be tough but you're gonna be my number one.' To be fair, he stuck to his word because I remember being in the Premier League and I went probably about eight, nine games without scoring."
Harewood acknowledged that their relationship became strained during a difficult second season when West Ham faced increased pressure and the striker fell out of favour. "The relationship is not really there because you're not doing as well as you should be and it's difficult," he explained.
Lasting Legacy of Premier League Drama
This incident remains one of the most memorable touchline confrontations in Premier League history, capturing the intense emotions and rivalries that define English football's top flight. Nearly twenty years later, Harewood's revelations provide fresh insight into how players responded to managerial conflicts behind closed doors.
The story serves as a reminder of the passionate moments that have shaped Premier League lore, where last-minute winners can spark not only pitch-side celebrations but also heated exchanges between some of football's most prominent figures.
