Ex-Fifa official issues ‘unbelievable’ Fabian Schar ban claim after ‘career-threatening’ Newcastle United controversy
Fabian Schar should have been sent off as Newcastle United drew 1-1 with Wolves on Sunday (28 August), according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee claimed he “could not believe” VAR did not intervene to send Schar off for his “career-threatening” challenge on Pedro Neto.
The 30-year-old planted his studs on Neto’s shin and was shown a yellow card for the foul by Peter Bankes.
VAR official Lee Mason did not feel his colleague had made a clear and obvious error so did not intervene.
As quoted by BBC Sport after the game, Wolves skipper Ruben Neves insisted Schar deserved a red card and his teammate was “lucky” not to be injured.
“He’s right,” Hackett said after analysing the footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“Let’s be clear, that type of challenge is exactly the sort that endangers the safety of an opponent so this player should have been sent off.
“We’re seeing a growing trend of players, almost in a stamping action, land a boot on the top of the foot or the lower shin or lower leg. These are career-threatening and the player should be dismissed.
“I can’t believe VAR did not see that as a clear and obvious error.
“I think the players knew that should have been a red, that’s how they reacted.”
A straight red card would have seen Schar miss Newcastle’s next three games.
Eddie Howe’s side are next in action on Wednesday (31 August) when they travel to Liverpool.
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