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  "path": "/sport/football/premier-league-fabian-schar-middle-east",
  "publishedAt": "2026-03-04T21:10:23.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Simon Jordan defends fans accused of racism for booing Premier League game halted for Muslim players",
    "US issue verdict on Iran’s World Cup participation amid withdrawal fears and Donald Trump threats",
    "Robert Sanchez axed from Chelsea line-up as Liam Rosenior makes bold statement for Aston Villa clash",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nNewcastle defender Fabian Schar has arrived back safely on Tyneside after enduring what he called a \"terrifying\" experience during Iran's retaliatory missile and drone strikes on the Gulf States.\n\nThe 34-year-old Swiss international had travelled to the region last week with the club's blessing to rehabilitate an ankle injury sustained in January.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nWhat was intended as a recovery trip in warmer conditions rapidly became a nightmare as the attacks unfolded following bombardment by the US and Israel.\n\nSchar shared his ordeal with followers on Instagram, posting an image that appeared to show a bunker with mattresses scattered across the floor.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nHe wrote: “I’ve just had a few of my most terrifying days having unfortunately witnessed first-hand what’s happening in the Middle East.\n\n\"I was there as part of my rehabilitation programme and I’m glad I found a way to get home safely.\n\n\"But what we experienced there, and what’s happening right now, is truly frightening.\n\n\"I hope that help gets to all of the people who need it in those affected areas.”\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe travel chaos caused by the attacks saw more than 3,400 flights grounded over the weekend, with both Dubai and Doha airports forced to shut their doors.\n\nBritish holidaymakers and travellers found themselves stranded across the region as commercial aviation ground to a halt.\n\nHowever, the situation has begun to ease over recent days, with flight operations gradually resuming.\n\nUK passengers have finally started making their way home as airlines restored services during the past 48 hours.\n\n### LATEST SPORT NEWS\n\n\n\n\n  * Simon Jordan defends fans accused of racism for booing Premier League game halted for Muslim players\n  * US issue verdict on Iran’s World Cup participation amid withdrawal fears and Donald Trump threats\n  * Robert Sanchez axed from Chelsea line-up as Liam Rosenior makes bold statement for Aston Villa clash\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nSchar was among those fortunate enough to secure passage back to Britain, returning to the North East without physical harm despite his harrowing experience.\n\nBeyond the immediate drama of his Middle Eastern ordeal, questions linger over Schar's long-term future at St James' Park.\n\nThe centre-back, who joined the Magpies from Deportivo La Coruna seven years ago, sees his current deal expire at the end of June.\n\nHis situation has attracted attention from across Europe, with multiple Bundesliga sides reportedly considering a move to lure the former Hoffenheim player back to German football.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nFor now, Eddie Howe must plan without the experienced defender regardless of contract negotiations.\n\nSchar is not anticipated to return to first-team action until the beginning of April at the earliest as he continues his ankle rehabilitation.\n\nFormer Manchester United captain Rio Ferdinand has also been forced to take refuge in his Dubai basement alongside his family as missile strikes hit the region.\n\nThe defender described feeling \"scared\" during the \"frightening\" circumstances.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards:The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Premier League star arrives back in UK after 'terrifying' escape from Middle East amid drone strikes"
}