Obviously it would have been more fitting had Alan Pardew done it to Dave Santon or Vernon Anita after the PROPER Tyne-Wear fixture.
The club had launched an internal investigation into the Donachie incident which is alleged to have taken place after the Under-21 Premier League defeat to Sunderland on Monday night.
Donachie – who allegedly hit defender Remie Streete – had been suspended by United while the claim was investigated.
And the club issued a brief statement confirming the departure of the 62-year-old.
It read: “Newcastle United can confirm that Willie Donachie has resigned from his position as reserve team manager with immediate effect.
“The club will be making no further comment.”
The incident is alleged to have taken place in the away dressing room immediately after the Under-21s’ 2-0 loss at the Stadium of Light.
Donachie is understood to have been unhappy at the second-half penalty conceded by Streete.
United’s players, however, felt the 19-year-old’s challenge on Connor Oliver was outside the box.
The resulting spot kick was converted by Jordan Laidler to give Sunderland the lead.
It was alleged that Donachie – who had coached Newcastle’s Under-21 side for he past three years – hit Streete during a heated row in the minutes after the final whistle.