“Newcastle United STUNNED by SHOCKING Fabian Schar Red Card Verdict in EXPLOSIVE Ollie Watkins Clash!”

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has backed Jarred Gillett’s decision not to send off Newcastle United’s Fabian Schar during the first half of their clash with Aston Villa.

The incident occurred in the 13th minute when Schar pulled back Ollie Watkins, who was chasing a long ball from Ezri Konsa.

Villa fans appealed for a red card, but Gillett instead issued a yellow.

Gallagher, speaking on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, supported the call, emphasizing that it didn’t meet the criteria for a sending off.

“Absolutely not a red card,” Gallagher said. “Look at the checklist. First, was he in possession of the ball? Clearly, no.

Second, could he have gained possession quickly? Again, unlikely, because the ball was running through to the goalkeeper.

Even if you consider that part debatable, it’s not an obvious goal-scoring opportunity, so it can’t be a red.”

Pundit Stephen Warnock agreed with Gallagher, although he admitted his initial reaction was different.

“At first glance, I thought it was a red card,” Warnock said. “But it’s such a tricky call.

You’re dealing with hypotheticals—where the ball might go, the player’s starting position, how quickly he could get there.

That’s a tough ask for any referee to calculate all of that in just a few seconds. I can understand why the yellow card was shown.”

Fellow pundit Sue Smith echoed that sentiment, pointing out the complexity of such decisions and commending Gillett’s quick judgment.

“Your instinct might say it’s a red—last man, clear pull—but you have to factor in everything,” she said. “Was the goalkeeper in a position to collect the ball? He was. Would Watkins have definitely reached it? That’s not certain. So I agree with the yellow card. The referee assessed it quickly and made what I think is the right call.”

At the time of the incident, Aston Villa were leading 1-0 thanks to a first-minute strike by Watkins.

Schar later equalized for Newcastle before halftime, but the second half saw Villa take control.

Goals from Ian Maatsen, an own goal by Dan Burn, and a finish from Amadou Onana sealed a comprehensive 4-1 victory for Unai Emery’s side.

The result was a setback for Newcastle’s hopes of securing Champions League football next season, while Villa strengthened their position in the top four.