Newcastle and Southampton players clash in tunnel after Fabian Schar's controversial red card

Players from Newcastle and Southampton clashed in the tunnel at half-time as they argued over Fabian Schar's red card.

Newcastle United got their season off to a good start with a 1-0 victory over newly-promoted Southampton at St James' on Saturday.

While the winning goal was scored by Joelinton, the talking point of the match came earlier in the match as Newcastle centre-back Fabian Schar was controversially sent off.

And it appears that two players from both sides disagreed over the decision, as they were seen fighting in the tunnel at half-time.

As the two teams walked back to the changing rooms after the first half, Newcastle's Dan Burn and Southampton's Jan Badnarek were seen shoving each other after a heated exchange in the tunnel.

Tensions were high throughout the first half, particularly after defender Schar was shown a straight red card in the 28th minute after clashing with Ben Bereton Diaz.

While Schar held the ball near Newcastle's box, Bereteon Diaz ran into the defender, sending him to the ground.

The Swiss centre-back immediately stood up and shoved the Southampton forward, pushing his head towards him.

As soon as the players heads touched, Bereton Diaz threw himself to the ground clutching his face, leading to referee Craig Pawson showing Schar a straight red card for a headbutt.

Newcastle players and fans were furious at the decision, as replays showed that the two players heads made minimal contact but, after a VAR check, the card stood and the Geordies were down to ten men.

Newcastle United's Fabian Schar was shown a red card after 'headbutting' Ben Brereton Diaz of Southampton. (Image: Getty)

However, the loss of one their own did not stop them from taking three points from the match as a 45th minute goal from Joelinton, who capitalised on a mistake from Southampton keeper Alex McCarthy, won them the match.

The straight red means that Schar will be suspended for three games, missing a potential crucial clash against Tottenham Hotspur in September.

It is possible that the decision could lead to Newcastle accelerating their pursuit of Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi ahead of the summer transfer window closing on August 30.