Beat to unconsciousness?
He said he was pushed from behind and he fell hitting his head.
Not excusing the behavior, just pointing out an exaggerated headline.
He said he was shoved hard enough to knock him to the ground and knock him out. A person reacts quickly to a fall; instinct is to get the hands out and turn the head to protect the brain. Monckton was apparently pushed hard enough to fall faster than he could react. I think it suggests a severe blow.