Newcastle United fans rage as 'shocking' footage v Southampton re-analysed

Newcastle United fans have exploded at referee Craig Pawson after Fabian Schar was sent off in their Premier League clash v Southampton.

Eddie Howe's side opened their 2024-25 Premier League campaign with a 1-0 win against Southampton, but the spotlight was stolen by more refereeing controversy in an ill-tempered affair.

Ben Brereton Diaz smashed into the back of the defender, who immediately squared up and pushed his forehead into the face of the Chilean, drawing a red card.

Replays showed the contact between the pair was light, but was enough to warrant a red card for the defender as tempers flared throughout the game.

However, fans have flocked to social media to slam the referee after a decision which saw a key player dismissed in the first game of the season.

Newcastle United fans rage at 'corrupt' Premier League after Fabian Schar red card

Newcastle have been targeting moves for a new centre-back this summer after failing in four attempts to sign Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi, and that need has now become more urgent.

Schar will miss the next three games after seeing red, worsening the pressing issue in Howe's squad.

However, fans are insisting Schar should not have been sent off and have slammed Brereton Diaz for his reaction as he fell to the floor holding his face.

As well as the striker, Pawson has also been slammed on social media as fans labelled the decision "shocking", calling the Premier League "corrupt".

In other news, Newcastle could land £75m profit from Bruno Guimaraes deal.

For more Newcastle and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.