Headbutt controversy in Newcastle v Southampton sparks mass brawl

The Premier League opening day has been thrust into controversy after one player was red carded following an ugly headbutt incident.

Headbutt controversy erupts in PL contest

Newcastle defender Fabian Schaer was sent off for headbutting Southampton striker Brereton Diaz.

The confrontation sparked a brawl between Newcastle and Saints players after 28 minutes of their Premier League opener at St James’ Park, The Sun reports.

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A free kick was awarded on the halfway line before Schaer was shoved over by Diaz after turning his back on a loose ball.

The Toon defender then got up and reacted furiously, first shoving the former Villarreal forward and then putting his forehead on Diaz’s.

The Southampton striker fell down theatrically clutching his face as Schaer tried to drag him up.

A red card was immediately shown to Schaer and a VAR check agreed it was violent conduct.

Schaer and Diaz bump heads. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Diaz fell to the turf from the contact. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

It saw hordes of players from each team run over to back their respective teammates.

Fellow centre-back Dan Burn appeared to try to lift the striker up as Magpies keeper Nick Pope and Southampton forward Adam Armstrong also intervened.

“The referee issued a red card to Schaer for violent conduct. VAR checked and confirmed the referee’s call,” a Premier League statement read.

Emil Krafth came on for Jacob Murphy to sure up the Toon’s backline.

Diaz was repeatedly booed by the crowd every time he touched the ball until halftime, when he was booed as he went down the tunnel.

Newcastle winger Joelinton then put the home side 1-0 up just before the break in the 45th minute with a clever finish.

Schar now faces a three-match ban after the straight red, leaving boss Eddie Howe scratching around for reinforcements at the back.

Diaz went down like he’d been shot. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Replays of the incident however left those watching on seeing red as many couldn’t believe the referee had fallen for Diaz’s acting.

One Newcastle supporter wrote: “I hate these power tripping referees.”

A second said: “Such play acting. Gutted for Schar. But should not have reacted.”

While another wrote: “Really?? That’s a red card??”

A fourth said: “Diaz needs to join Broadway with that acting job.”

Despite going a man down halfway through the opening half, Newcastle proved too good as they captured the 1-0 win to kick start their Premier League campaign.

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission.

Originally published as Headbutt controversy in Newcastle v Southampton sparks mass brawl