Mark Clattenburg gives verdict on whether Fabian Schar should’ve been sent off for Newcastle vs Aston Villa

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Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has weighed in on several incidents from Newcastle United’s 4-1 loss to Aston Villa.

It was an evening to forget for assistant manager Jason Tindall, who took charge of his first away game with the Magpies in Eddie Howe’s absence.

Newcastle United were well beaten by Aston Villa, who were keen on avenging their elimination from the Champions League a few days prior.

Post-match, Newcastle fans complained about squad depth in comparison to their opponents, with many hoping that there will be better options off the bench for Howe next season after the summer transfer window.

However, Howe must continue to compete for a top-five finish with a depleted squad until the end of the season, but things could have gotten much worse for him if one big decision had gone against them.

In the midst of the loss, Mark Clattenburg has shared his opinion on one big incident involving Fabian Schar during the loss.

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Mark Clattenburg says whether Fabian Schar should’ve seen red vs Aston Villa

Schar had a wild first half at Villa Park on Saturday. The 34-year-old saw his block attempt deflect the ball past Nick Pope with less than a minute on the clock.

Soon after, Schar brought down striker Ollie Watkins when it looked like the 29-year-old was through on goal while the game was still 1-0.

Referee Jarred Gillett gave Schar a yellow card, but some believed that the Switzerland international should have been given his marching orders.

Speaking exclusively to Geordie Boot Boys about the decision, former Premier League referee Clattenburg said: “The referee gives Schar a yellow card for a pull of the arm on Watkins.

“People will argue that Schar should have been sent off, but the Newcastle goalkeeper Pope’s starting position saved Schar, as even though the foul was central, Watkins did not have control of the ball and Pope could have got to the ball first, so reducing the obvious goal scoring opportunity.

“Schar was correctly cautioned for stopping a promising attack.”

Just a couple of minutes after the decision to keep Schar on the field, he got on the end of Harvey Barnes‘ looping ball to nod past Emiliano Martinez to level the game. Unfortunately, performance levels dropped in the second half, and the Magpies conceded three goals in the space of 11 minutes.

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Dermot Gallagher agrees with Mark Clattenburg’s Newcastle United verdict

Newcastle must now pick up the pieces after the defeat and bounce back after the loss to Villa. Alan Shearer thinks Newcastle can beat Ipswich Town, calling it a ‘really good’ opportunity to re-establish their lead to the rest of the Champions League chasing pack.

Thankfully, they will have Schar at their disposal after Gillett’s decision not to show him a red card last Saturday.

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On Sky Sports‘ Ref Watch, former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher was asked about the decision not to send Schar off at Villa Park.

“100 per cent not a red card,” he said.

“Let’s go through the tick boxes. Is Watkins in possession of the ball? Quite clearly no. Is he able to gain the ball quickly? Again, you would say no.

“The second one is probable but not obvious. So it can’t be a red card.

“It’s what I go from possible to obvious, but when it’s possible, it has to be yellow rather than red.”