Newcastle vs Southampton CHAOS as Fabian Schar is sent off for headbutt after Ben Brereton Diaz threw himself to the floor

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

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

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 on the ground as the Newcastle defender gestured for him to get up.

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

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: 'Shousery at its finest but so stupid from Schar.'

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

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 is set to reject an initial £ 60 million 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.

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

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

Palace wants a minimum of £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 stroke of halftime 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.