Steve Bruce reacts to Fabian Schar's red card and three-game ban for Newcastle United defender

Schar was dismissed for a late challenge on Gabriel Martielli in this afternoon’s 2-0 defeat to Arsenal at St James’s Park after coming off the bench. The defender – who had returned from knee surgery – will be suspended for the club's next three Premier League games.

Bruce had told his players at the break to be more aggressive, having watched Arsenal dominate the first 45 minutes.

"The way it is at the moment and the rules are, there's no tackles anymore,” United’s head coach told the BBC. “I don't think it deserves a red. Maybe it's a yellow.

"Is it dangerous? Not really. We're playing Arsenal so you have to get into them. When that stops it becomes very difficult. I have sympathy for Fabian Schar He tries to win the tackle. Maybe a yellow card but certainly not a red."