'Stupid' - Eddie Howe & Alan Shearer disagree as Newcastle United consider FA appeal after Southampton win
With the score-line level, Pawson reached for his back pocket in the 30th minute when Schar was adjudged have headbutted Ben Brereton Diaz. It came after the Saints forward provoked the Switzerland international when he barged into him as play stopped for a free-kick.
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Hide AdDespite being a man down, United grinded out a victory after taking the lead through Joelinton on the brink of half-time.
Newcastle legend Alan Shearer said on X“----housery at its finest but so stupid from Schar” - but Howe believes it was harsh on his man.
Howe said: “I think it’s really harsh on Fabby but I think we all know you can’t give the referee the possibility to even give the red card so that’s something we’ll learn from.
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Hide Ad“Our discipline record has been very good for a long period of time so I don’t think that is something in our game. But certainly a good one to learn from.”
The red card galvanised the St James’ Park crowd, who Howe praised for making a real difference.
“There were moments in that where I can’t even talk to Jason [Tindall], it’s impossible because of the noise of the crowd, who were brilliant for us today,” said Howe.
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Hide Ad“You talk about them [the crowd] a lot, and people might think it’s a bit of a cliche and you’re just saying that but it’s so true, it’s what our home record has been built on.
“The ability to get the crowd into the match, whether that’s through our intent or moments like today where we feel we’ve been harshly treated by the referee. But they do make the difference, it inspires the players.”
Schar is due to miss the next three games against AFC Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur, although the club may lodge an appeal to the FA. Howe said: “I need to see it first. I haven’t seen a replay or anything so once we see that we’ll decide what we do.
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Hide Ad“My initial impression is it was really soft and it looks like Fabian’s been caught in a situation. But before I criticise any players involved I’ll need to see it again.”
Meanwhile, Southampton manager Russell Martin believes the correct decision was made.
He said: “When someone is stood still and someone leans in with their head you give someone the opportunity to make the most of it. I’d guarantee their players would have done the same. It is a moment of madness from their player.
“This is the reason why we have VAR, it’s there to overturn decisions if they’re wrong and they’ve seen it back on numerous occasions in slow motion.”
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