Switzerland’s Fabian Schar (32) sustained a broken nose during Wednesday’s 1-1 draw against Scotland at Euro 2024, adding to a night of misfortune as he had inadvertently contributed to Scotland’s goal earlier in the match.
Nineteen minutes into the game, Schar collided with Scotland’s Anthony Ralston, requiring medical attention for both players, who continued to play through the remainder of the intense match in Cologne.
This incident occurred just six minutes after Schar’s error, which allowed Scotland to take the lead.
Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer was set to catch a goal-bound shot from Scott McTominay, but Schar’s intervention deflected the ball into the net. Initially recorded as an own goal, the goal was later credited to McTominay.
The Swiss team, favored to win and secure a spot in the next round with a game to spare, faced an unexpected setback due to these events.
“My nose is broken,” Schar told Swiss broadcaster Blue Sport. “There were a lots of tackles and duels, as we expected. They made it extremely difficult for us.”
Switzerland equalised in the 26th minute with a spectacular strike from Xherdan Shaqiri and had plenty of chances to go ahead but were frustrated repeatedly by the indomitable Scots, who were fighting for a chance to reach the knockout rounds of a major tournament after failing in their last 11 attempts.
Schar has endured plenty of rough and tumble, breaking his nose in 2018 and suffering concussions in 2019, 2022 and 2023, two of those on duty for his English side Newcastle United.
“I will feel it more tomorrow,” he said of his latest injury. “It was an intense game for everyone. That brought out my passion a little. That’s part of it. It’s fun too.”
France’s Kylian Mbappe also suffered a broken nose during his first Euro 2024 match and will be wearing a protective mask in the upcoming games.
The Swiss team has not yet provided an update on Schar’s injury or confirmed whether he will participate in the crucial final Group A match against host nation Germany on Sunday.