The German’s reckless attack sparked a brawl in St James’ Park (Image: Getty)

Gary Neville has criticized Kai Havertz for his “stupid” challenge in Saturday night’s tough match between Newcastle and Arsenal, but withdrew after three Magpies players were offside.

The Gunners had done well to turn the game around at St James’ Park and control the tempo of the game, but there was an explosion just before half-time.

Havertz rushed to clear out Sean Longstaff and launched himself at the Newcastle midfielder, parrying him and causing a huge scramble between all the players.

The Newcastle crowd had been somewhat calm so far, but then erupted and shouted for a red card, despite both the referee and VAR agreeing that yellow would be sufficient.

Newcastle’s players were furious at Havertz’s challenge and some of them became involved in arguments with their opponents, including swearing at the referees for not issuing a red card.

As the excitement subsided, referee Stuart Atwell had issued further yellow cards to Longstaff, Anthony Gordon and Fabian Scar for inconsistency.

Neville initially attacked Havertz for ‘poking the bear’ and stirring up the crowd at St James’ Park, but returned to that stance when a number of Newcastle players were targeted – and Bruno Guimares then ‘recorded’ that too and lost his head.

Havertz’s wild challenge led to a fight between the players (Image: Getty)

Kai Havertz against Newcastle United for Arsenal

The crowd at St James’ Park erupted after Havertz’s challenge (Image: Getty)

Responding to the challenge, Neville said on Sky Sports: “What is he doing?” What’s he doing!?

“I mean, Arsenal have pretty good control of the game, with and without the ball.” The last thing you want is to poke the bear.

“Declan Rice is trying to calm things down. He [Havertz] I’ve never been there, it’s a stupid challenge. It’s just a stupid, stupid challenge. Personally, I think it’s dangerous. He never got there, he stormed in.”

But when Atwell handed out the yellow card, he backtracked: “So he rose to that challenge quite well, Kai Havertz actually!” He’s booked three Newcastle players! That’s a good tactic! I take everything back!’

Moments later, Guimares appeared to elbow Jorginho and was lucky to avoid a yellow card, with Neville believing the Brazilian was still angry at Havertz’s throw.

“I think he’s a happy boy. He dives first so his head is away. You see it in slow motion, no, you don’t. I think he is a happy boy,” said the former Manchester United defender.

“I just think it’s so unnecessary, it’s so clearly an arm or an elbow to the head, and for no reason at all – other than the fact that he wants to hit someone.

“His head went here, Guimaraes.” Eddie Howe has to give everything at half-time, he has to get his team off the pitch or they will be in trouble. Havertz started it about ten minutes ago, but Newcastle reacted badly.”