The history books will record this match as Newcastle 1, Southampton 0.
However, in the present moment, all the debate centers around one controversial incident. Despite playing most of the match with ten men, Newcastle United and their fans showed incredible resilience, ultimately securing the win. Joelinton scored a composed goal just before halftime, capping off an outstanding man-of-the-match performance.
The incident that reduced Newcastle to ten men dominated post-match discussions. The key question: Was Fabian Schar’s red card the correct decision?
In the controversial moment, Ben Brereton Diaz approached Schar from behind and shoved him to the ground. Schar quickly got up, and the two players faced off, moving their heads toward each other. Diaz, however, dramatically collapsed to the ground, seemingly trying to get Schar sent off.
Here’s what the two managers, Eddie Howe and Russell Martin, had to say, offering ‘slightly’ different perspectives on the incident.
**Southampton manager Russell Martin on the incident:**
“When Ben Brereton Diaz stands still and then Fabian Schar leans in with his head, it gives someone the opportunity to make the most of it. I guarantee their players would have done the same. It’s a moment of madness from their player. That’s why we have VAR, to overturn wrong decisions. They’ve reviewed it multiple times, and it has to be a red card.”
**Eddie Howe’s perspective:**
“I think it’s really harsh on Fabby. Although I believe we all know you can’t give the referee a chance to issue a red card. It looks like he was caught in a well-managed situation. It’s something we will learn from. The red card was a turning point, negatively in terms of control, but positively in terms of getting the crowd involved. They felt an injustice, and without that support, the result might have been different.”
**Match Stats via BBC Sport:**
Newcastle 1 Southampton 0 – Saturday, August 17, 3 pm
**Goals:**
– Newcastle United: Joelinton 45
**Red Card:**
– Schar 28
**Possession:**
– Newcastle 22% (27%)
– Southampton 78% (73%)
**Total Shots:**
– Newcastle 3 (3)
– Southampton 19 (4)
**Shots on Target:**
– Newcastle 1 (1)
– Southampton 5 (1)
**Corners:**
– Newcastle 3 (3)
– Southampton 12 (1)
**Touches in the Box:**
– Newcastle 16 (11)
– Southampton 48 (8)
**Newcastle United Lineup:**
Pope, Livramento, Schar (Krafth 28), Burn, Hall (Kelly 70), Longstaff, Bruno, Joelinton; J Murphy (Krafth 30), Isak, Gordon (Barnes 70)
**Subs:**
Dubravka, Trippier, Targett, Osula, Almiron, Willock
**Attendance:** 52,196
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