SAINTS boss Russell Martin and Newcastle manager Eddie Howe delivered measured responses to Fabian Schar's red card at St James' Park.

The Swiss defender was shown a straight red card on the opening weekend of the Premier League season after he leaned his head into Ben Brereton Diaz.

Saints debutant Brereton Diaz hit the deck, prompting referee Craig Pawson to give Schar his marching orders on 28 minutes.

Schar left the field to much frustration from the home fans, while Chile international Brereton Diaz was jeered until he was withdrawn in the second half.

Martin told the Daily Echo: "I just got asked there if Ben made a meal of it and all that stuff. He stands still and the guy leads with his head.

"You give someone an 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. And it's the reason we have VAR, I'm pretty sure, is to overturn decisions if they're wrong.

"They've seen it back on numerous occasions in slow motion and that stuff. So it has to be a red card, I guess."

Fabian Schar saw red for a clash with Ben Brereton DiazFabian Schar saw red for a clash with Ben Brereton Diaz (Image: PA)
Newcastle boss Howe admitted he had not watched it back before speaking to the media and was unwilling to give a "rash" statement before seeing a replay.

The former Cherries boss felt Schar had been caught out by a "well-managed situation" but stopped short of criticising Brereton Diaz.

Howe said: "I think it's really harsh on Fabby, but I think we all know that you can't give the referee the possibility to even give the red card.

"That's something we (will) learn from. I think our discipline record has been really good for a long period of time. 

"I don't think that's something that's in our game, but certainly a good one to learn from. I need to see it first (before appealing).

"I haven't actually seen a replay. Once we see that, we'll decide what we do. I don't want to be a cop-out, but I'd need to see it again before making a rash statement.

"I felt it was soft was my initial impression live. I thought that was really soft and it looks like Fabian's been caught out by a well-managed situation.

"But before I criticise any players involved, I'd need to see it again."