Mike Dean reacts to Fabian Schar’s red card as Newcastle beat Southampton in the Premier League

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Newcastle United are up and running this season.

By hook or by crook, Newcastle got over the line against Southampton to kick their Premier League campaign off with a victory.

Joelinton’s strike on the stroke of half-time proved the difference as Eddie Howe’s side won at St James’ Park but that really does not tell the whole story.

Indeed, the Saints looked impressive even before the early flashpoint that threatened to define the game.

After a strong Newcastle start, the visitors grew into proceedings and were handed a major boost when Fabian Schar was sent off.

The defender was involved in an altercation with Ben Brereton Diaz, reacting angrily after being shoved in the back. Schar pushed the striker and then moved his forehead towards Diaz’s face, earning a straight red card.

Tempers flared after that, with Dan Burn clashing with some of the Saints players in the tunnel at half-time.

While reckless from Schar, there being enough contact with Diaz to warrant a red card is debatable – and that’s being kind. Diaz’s reaction, it must be said, looked well over the top.

Speaking on Sky Sports, former Premier League referee Mike Dean gave his view of the incident.

Mike Dean reacts as Fabian Schar is sent off for Newcastle against Southampton

Dean criticised Schar for his reaction to the initial challenge but admitted the decision to dismiss the Swiss was very soft.

“There is a slight movement to the head by Schar, but Brereton Diaz has overreacted a little bit, but you can’t do, you can’t move your head. It’s really, really soft,” he told Sky Sports News at 3.28pm BST on 17/08/2024.

“Diaz has got to be better than that, he has got to be better than that.”

Newcastle now have a defensive problem before Bournemouth clash

The pursuit of Marc Guehi goes on and sporting director Paul Mitchell is believed to be looking at potential alternatives, having seen four offers rejected for the Crystal Palace star.

Unless a new defender is signed before the trip to Bournemouth on Sunday, Howe does not have many options in central defence given Schar’s absence.

Emil Krafth and Burn operated there after Schar’s red and look set to continue, with only Lloyd Kelly available as a potential back-up.