NEWCASTLE UNITED will review the incident that resulted in Fabian Schar being sent off against Southampton this afternoon before deciding whether or not to appeal the red card.
Schar received a straight red card when he leaned his head into Ben Brereton Diaz, with the Southampton striker falling theatrically to the floor.
The contact between the two players was minimal, but Schar’s movement into Brereton Diaz was sufficient for Craig Pawson to dismiss the Swiss centre-half, with a VAR review upholding his on-pitch decision.
Eddie Howe conceded Schar gave the referee a decision to make, even if he felt the red card was extremely harsh.
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The Magpies boss intends to review the incident with his coaching team before deciding on whether to launch a formal appeal to the Football Association in an attempt to have the dismissal overturned. As things stand, Schar is set to receive an automatic three-match ban for violent conduct.
“I think it’s really harsh on Fabby,” said Howe. “Although I think we all know that you can’t give the referee the possibility to even give the red card.
“It’s something we’ll learn from, I think our disciplinary record has been good for a long period of time, so I don’t think that’s something that’s in our game.
“I need to see the incident again before deciding what to do. I haven’t actually seen it again yet. Once we see that, we’ll decide what we do.”
Southampton boss Russell Martin felt the red card was thoroughly justified, even if he admitted Brereton Diaz had taken advantage of Schar’s actions.
“When he (Schar) stands still and then leans with his head, you give someone the opportunity to make the most of it,” said Martin. “It’s a moment of madness from their player. I’m sure their players would have done the same (as Brereton Diaz). VAR have seen it back and it has to be a red card.”
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