Fabian Schar issued his verdict on his reasonably controversial goal for Newcastle United against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup.
The Swiss defender came back into the starting eleven as Newcastle United beat Tottenham 2-0 to reach the quarter-final stage of the Carabao Cup.
It was another fine showing from a player who has lost his starting berth in recent weeks.
Schar impressed when replacing Sven Botman from the bench against Fulham on Saturday and picked up where he left off when Spurs came to St James’ Park on Wednesday night.
The defender nodded in Sandro Tonali’s cross to give Eddie Howe’s side the lead less than half an hour into the contest and Nick Woltemade later sealed their progress with a header after the interval.
Newcastle’s first goal against Tottenham, however, is the one that caused some slight controversy. After the game, Schar was asked for his version of events.
Fabian Schar shrugs off Tottenham complaints after Newcastle United goal
Thomas Frank labelled Schar’s goal as a referee’s “mistake”, with the Spurs boss unhappy Djed Spence was not allowed more time to get back into position to mark the Newcastle defender at a corner.
Spence’s boot came off when tackling Anthony Elanga in the build-up to the corner. The England international took a while to get back on but was afforded around 30 seconds to do so.
Even then, he hardly ran back into his position. Frank later confirmed Spence was supposed to be marking Schar, who rose the highest to connect with Tonali’s cross. Some of the Spurs players were fuming and Richarlison was booked for his reaction.
The 33-year-old Newcastle star was interviewed by Sky Sports after the full-time whistle and was asked about the complaints.
“I didn’t know that it’s a rule that you have to wait if somebody has to do their laces,” he said.
“Actually, I didn’t even see where he was or whatever. So, I think that wouldn’t make a difference [Spence getting back into position] basically, or whatever.
“We just focus on what we train in the training sessions. I think the first goal was perfect.”
Fabian Schar going nowhere in internal battle at Newcastle United
To say Schar rolled back the years would be unfair, given his fine performances both this season and last.
However, he has played like he’s got a point to prove during his last two outings. So much has been made about the brilliant partnership Malick Thiaw and Botman have built, but Schar isn’t to be overlooked.
Boasting that kind of player in reserve is a testament to how strong the Newcastle United squad is looking these days.
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