NEWCASTLE defender Fabian Schar has been sent off for headbutting Southampton striker Brereton Diaz.
The confrontation sparked a brawl between Newcastle and Saints players after 28 minutes of their Premier League opener at St James’ Park.
A free kick was awarded on the halfway line before Schar was shoved over by Diaz after turning his back on a loose ball.
The Toon defender then got up and reacted furiously, first shoving the former Villarreal forward and then putting his forehead on Diaz’s.
The Southampton striker fell down theatrically clutching his face as Schar tried to drag him up.
A red card was immediately shown to Schar and a VAR check agreed it was violent conduct.
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It saw hordes of players from each team run over to back their respective team-mates.
Fellow centre-back Dan Burn appeared to try to lift the striker up as Magpies keeper Nick Pope and Southampton forward Adam Armstrong also intervened.
A Premier League statement read: “The referee issued a red card to Schar for violent conduct. VAR checked and confirmed the referee’s call.”
Emil Krafth came on for Jacob Murphy to sure up the Toon’s backline.
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Diaz was repeatedly booed by the crowd every time he touched the ball until half-time, when he ws booed as he went down the tunnel.
Newcastle winger Joelinton then put the home side 1-0 up just before the break in the 45th minute with a clever finish.
Schar now faces a three-match ban after the straight red, leaving boss Eddie Howe scratching around for reinforcements at the back.
And footie fans weren’t too happy about it either.
One Newcastle supporter wrote: “I hate these power tripping referees.”
A second said: “Such play acting. Gutted for Schar. But should not have reacted.”
While another wrote: “Really?? That’s a red card??”
A fourth said: “Diaz needs to join Broadway with that acting job.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
