Newcastle United and Southampton played out an explosive start to their Premier League campaigns in the first half at St. James’ Park on Saturday afternoon. And tensions spilled over inside the tunnel during the break during a bad-tempered exchange between defensive counterparts Dan Burn and Jan Bednarek.
Newcastle entered half-time with a 1-0 lead after Alexander Isak and Joelinton combined to produce a late opener on Tyneside.
But Eddie Howe’s side left themselves with a tough task on the opening weekend after Fabian Schar saw red just before the half-hour mark.
Southampton striker Ben Brereton Diaz barged over Schar from behind, and the Swiss defender couldn’t contain his reaction.
He nudged his head towards Brereton Diaz in anger, and the 25-year-old dropped to the turf, much to the outrage of the home crowd.
Referee Craig Pawson had no choice but to send Schar for an early shower for his violent conduct, while the Saints frontman received a yellow card for his initial foul.
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