Newcastle vs Southampton CHAOS as Fabian Schar is sent off for headbutt after Ben Brereton Diaz threw himself to the floor... before players wait to confront him in the tunnel and Alan Shearer calls it 'ultimate s***housery'

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Newcastle United centre back Fabian Schar's involvement in his side's 1-0 win against Southampton in the opening game of the season lasted just 28 minutes after he was sent off for a headbutt on Ben Brereton Diaz.

The incident caused tempers to flare among both sets of players, first on the pitch and later in the tunnel, while Newcastle legend Alan Shearer branded the incident 'ultimate s***housery'. 

Schar, 32, was shoved to the floor from behind and reacted angrily, first pushing Diaz and then putting his forehead forward before the Saints star fell theatrically.

As a large group of players quickly surrounded the scene, Brereton Diaz continued to writhe around on the ground as the Newcastle defender gestured for him to get up. 

Fellow centre back Dan Burn even appears to try to lift the striker up as Magpies keeper Nick Pope and Southampton centre forward Adam Armstrong also intervene. 

Newcastle United centre back Fabian Schar's first game of the season lasted just 28 minutes after he was sent off for a headbutt

Schar, 32, was shoved to the floor from behind and reacted angrily, first pushing Diaz and then putting his forehead forward

A scuffle then ensued as Newcastle players reacted angrily to the decision

Tempers then flared once again in the tunnel at half-time as Dan Burn and Jan Bednarek locked horns

And despite a VAR check, Newcastle were reduced to 10 men to put their start to the season under threat. 

A Premier League statement said: 'The referee issued a red card to Schär for violent conduct. VAR checked and confirmed the referee’s call.'

Newcastle legend Alan Shearer responded to the incident by posting on X, formerly Twitter: 'S***housery at its finest but so stupid from Schar.'

The centre-back now faces a three-match ban after the straight red card, leaving manager Eddie Howe scratching around for reinforcements at the back.

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And it comes at the worst possible time for Newcastle with the side already locked in negotiations for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi. 

Yesterday it was reported that Palace are set to reject an initial £60million offer from Newcastle for Marc Guehi.

Mail Sport first revealed the news that the Magpies had submitted their fourth offer for the England international on Friday morning.

But sources close to the deal are indicating that the package is still not suitable for Palace.

It is understood the latest offer comprises of a guaranteed £60million plus a further £5million in add-ons.

Palace want a minimum £65million for Guehi and it appears chairman Steve Parish is demanding that amount in guaranteed money, excluding additional bonuses, meaning Newcastle face paying closer to £70million to complete the transfer.

Despite the early setback, the Magpies managed to clinch an opening goal on the strroke of half time through Joelinton to take the lead against the newly-promoted side.

Saints keeper Alex McCarthy made a huge error by passing the ball straight to Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, who then knocked the ball to the Brazilian who stroked it home.  

Newcastle icon Alan Shearer responded to the incident in a post on X, formerly Twitter

Newcastle have been on the hunt for defensive reinforcements, including Marc Guehi

Despite the early setback, the Magpies managed to clinch an opening goal on the strroke of half time through Joelinton

Magpies players, including Bruno Guimaraes (left), were left fuming after Craig Pawson (right) sent off their centre-back

The centre-back now faces a three-match ban after the straight red card, leaving manager Eddie Howe scratching around for reinforcements at the back

After the half time whistle was blown, a number of players clashed in the St James's Park tunnel but the fracas did not last long.

The scuffle during the break appeared to start with Southampton's Jan Bednarek waiting for a group of Newcastle players and shouting some words at Burn.

The centre-backs then lock horns as other teammates, including Brereton Diaz, pass the pair in the tunnel.