Switzerland’s Fabian Schar had a night to forget during their Euro 2024 clash against Scotland. Not only did he inadvertently help Scotland score an early goal, but he also suffered a broken nose in a collision with Anthony Ralston.
The incident occurred in the 19th minute, with both players receiving medical attention but continuing the game. Schar’s mishap came just six minutes after he steered a goal-bound shot by Scott McTominay into his own net, initially recorded as an own goal but later awarded to McTominay. This unfortunate sequence of events compounded a frustrating night for Schar and the Swiss team, who were expected to win and secure a spot in the next round with a game to spare.
Despite the broken nose and the disappointment of the game, Schar remained a passionate player. He told Swiss broadcaster Blue Sport, “My nose is broken. There were a lots of tackles and duels, as we expected. They made it extremely difficult for us.” He went on to say, “I will feel it more tomorrow. It was an intense game for everyone. That brought out my passion a little. That’s part of it. It’s fun too.”
Switzerland did manage to equalize in the 26th minute with a spectacular goal from Xherdan Shaqiri. They created numerous opportunities to take the lead but were repeatedly thwarted by a determined Scottish side fighting for a chance to reach the knockout rounds.
Schar’s injury is not new; he has broken his nose previously in 2018 and has suffered concussions in 2019, 2022, and 2023, two of which occurred while playing for his English club Newcastle United.
The Swiss team’s response to Schar’s injury remains unknown. They are set to face hosts Germany in their final Group A match on Sunday, and it remains to be seen if Schar will be able to play with a broken nose.
This injury comes as France’s Kylian Mbappe is also dealing with a broken nose sustained in his first Euro 2024 match. He is expected to wear a protective mask for upcoming games. The Euro 2024 tournament has already seen a significant number of injuries, highlighting the physical demands and intense nature of the competition.
