Graeme Souness reveals why Ben Brereton Diaz should have seen red after Schar incident
Newcastle United’s match against Southampton on Saturday was marred by a contentious incident that saw them play with just ten men for the majority of the game. Fabian Schar’s red card, handed out for his clash with Southampton’s Ben Brereton Diaz, became the focal point of the match despite Newcastle’s commendable 1-0 victory at St James’ Park.
The pivotal moment of the game occurred when Schar and Brereton Diaz collided in what initially appeared to be a routine clash. Both players leaned their heads into each other, but Brereton Diaz’s dramatic reaction, where he fell to the ground as if struck by an unseen force, played a significant role in the outcome. Diaz’s exaggerated fall convinced referee Craig Pawson to issue a red card to Schar, reducing Newcastle to ten men.
The reaction to the incident has been swift and critical, with notable figures in football voicing their opinions on the controversial decision. Graeme Souness, a former Newcastle manager and current TalkSPORT pundit, expressed strong disapproval of the referee’s handling of the situation. Speaking on TalkSPORT with hosts Jim White and Simon Jordan, Souness suggested that the referee should have reviewed the incident on the VAR screen. He believed that Brereton Diaz’s behavior warranted a red card for simulation, while Schar should have received only a yellow card.
Souness articulated his frustration, saying, “Diaz cheated. Schar’s wrong, but I personally think that the referee should go to the screen, look at it, and send Diaz off and book Schar. You’re cheating. Schar put his head towards him, there’s no action of headbutting; he’s gone there, he’s gone ‘come on then.’ There’s no intention to hurt, and for me, Diaz’s act of throwing himself to the ground is a red card for trying to deceive. It’s an attempt to trick the officials and deceive the fans watching in the stadium and on television. It’s something that needs to be stamped out because that is what frustrates supporters the most.”
Echoing Souness’s sentiments, TalkSPORT host Ally McCoist also criticized Brereton Diaz’s actions. McCoist described Diaz’s behavior as “embarrassing” and “shocking,” reflecting a broader sense of disapproval among pundits. He expressed his understanding of the referee’s decision but lamented that Diaz’s antics, which led to Schar’s red card, were a disservice to the game. McCoist noted, “I can understand why the referee sent him off, right? Brereton Diaz was shocking, absolutely shocking. I find that embarrassing. All he’s doing there is attempting, and unfortunately succeeding, in getting a fellow professional sent off.”
The criticism directed at Brereton Diaz highlights a growing concern over the influence of simulation and deceptive behavior in football. Many believe that such actions undermine the integrity of the game and detract from the sport’s spirit. As the debate continues, it is clear that there is a call for more robust measures to address and penalize players who engage in such tactics, ensuring fair play and respect on the field.
