Newcastle and Southampton players clash in tunnel during ill-tempered match
Dan Burn and Jan Bednarek clashed in the tunnel at half-time after Fabian Schar was sent off during Newcastle's game against Southampton at St James' Park
Tempers flared during Newcastle's clash with Southampton at St James' Park, with Dan Burn and Jan Bednarek seen pushing and shoving each other in the tunnel at half-time.
The first half ended with Newcastle winning 1-0 thanks to a goal from Joelinton, but they were down to 10 men after Fabian Schar was sent off. Schar was shown a straight red card after clashing with Ben Brereton Diaz.
With Schar on the ball, Brereton barged into the defender and sent him crashing to the ground. Schar reacted furiously and shoved Brereton Diaz, before pushing his head towards the forward.
Brereton Diaz theatrically fell to the floor clutching his face and Schar was sent off for a headbutt, while Brereton Diaz was booked for the initial push. Newcastle were not happy with the decision, but a VAR check decided that referee Craig Pawson made the right decision in sending off Schar.
And the ill feeling between the two sides spilled over into the tunnel at half-time, with Burn and Bednarek seen exchanging words. Burn then pushes Bednarek and grabs his shirt before the pair are separated.
"Dan Burn is clearly very frustrated with the decision," former England midfielder Fara Williams said on BBC Final Score. "It was a soft one and it was a correct one. He doesn't need to do that. They are 1-0 up and in a good position.
"There is movement from Schar toward Diaz and as soon as you do that you are at risk of being sent off. It is the correct decision, as harsh as that is." Newcastle legend Alan Shearer, meanwhile, wrote on social media: "S***housery at its finest but so stupid from Schar."
Schar is now facing a three-match ban as a result of his sending off, leaving Newcastle boss Eddie Howe short on defensive reinforcements. Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles are both still recovering from ACL injuries sustained last season.
Newcastle have been trying to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, but have had multiple offers rejected. "We're working hard," Howe said when quizzed on Newcastle's transfer business. "There's no lack of effort from our side but as I said earlier, nothing is close.
"I'm determined to try and improve the squad. But at the same time, if we can't, for whatever reason, yes, of course I'll go forward with the squad with pride. Backing every single player that we have internally to do the job we need them to."
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