New Castle
Video: Fabian Schar has life saved by opponent after nasty clash of heads in action for Switzerland https://t.co/gjAYKcRUev pic.twitter.com/hQBvJjTGg7
— WeekLights (@WeekLights) March 25, 2019
Schar was involved in a sickening clash of heads with Jemal Tabidze midway through the first half of Switzerland’s 2-0 Euro 2020 qualifying win against Georgia in Tbilisi.
The Newcastle defender was knocked unconscious by the collision and lay prone in the penalty area before Georgia midfielder Jano Ananidze reacted.
Ananidze realised the danger Schar was in and raced to the 27-year-old, inserting his hand into the defender’s mouth to ensure that he did not swallow his tongue.
Remarkably both players stayed on the pitch following the clash of heads, with Schar completing the full 90 minutes.
But he admitted the incident had taken its toll.
“It looks awful, I can’t remember anything,” Schar told Swiss newspaper Blick having watched the footage back.
“I was out for a few seconds. My skull is still humming.
“And I’ve got neck ache and a bruise on my forehead.
“But it was worth it.”
Premier League referee Craig Pawson took charge of the game in Tbilisi, which Switzerland won 2-0 thanks to goals from Steven Zuber and Denis Zakaria.
Fabian Schar still feeling effects of horror head injury as brain charity call for investigation https://t.co/dmtCnUYd5w pic.twitter.com/zsyQ6HRIfC
— Cleansheet (@Cleansheet) March 25, 2019
Tabidze, who plays for Russian Premier League side Ufa, played on even though he was left with a gash in his head from the 24th-minute incident.
He was eventually substituted in the 62nd minute.
Rugby fans read this. Your always ridiculing football players getting a slight touch and then fall over as if they are shot. Wouldn’t see this on a rugby pitch. Fabian Schar helped by opponent after clash of heads in Euro 2020 https://t.co/8REvX8udgS pic.twitter.com/hMTwltYcdd
— Peccavi66🏴 (@peccavi66) March 25, 2019
