Newcastle United defender Fabian Schar has publicly disclosed that he experienced several "terrifying" days in the Middle East as Iran launched retaliatory strikes across the region. The Swiss international, who has since returned home safely, shared a harrowing account of his ordeal, highlighting the widespread disruption and fear gripping the area.
A Frightening Experience Amid Escalating Conflict
Schar posted a photograph on his social media platforms showing what appeared to be a hotel storage room, with mattresses and pillows scattered across the floor. The 34-year-old footballer had travelled to the Gulf for rehabilitation after undergoing ankle surgery in London during January, following an injury sustained earlier this year.
Across the image, Schar wrote: "I've just had a few of my most terrifying days having unfortunately witnessed first-hand what's happening in the Middle East. I was there as part of my rehabilitation programme and I'm glad I found a way to get home safely. But what we experienced there, and what's happening right now, is truly frightening. I hope that help gets to all of the people who need it in those affected areas."
Widespread Airspace Closures Strand Thousands
The defensive player's alarming experience coincides with extensive airspace closures across the Middle East, which have left thousands of travellers stranded in the Gulf. Major airports in Tehran, Baghdad, Doha, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Damascus remain shut since the strikes commenced, severely disrupting international travel and evacuation efforts.
Official figures indicate that more than 130,000 British nationals have registered with the UK government seeking assistance to leave the region since the conflict erupted on Saturday. In response, authorities have chartered an initial evacuation flight scheduled to depart from Oman at 7pm this evening. Meanwhile, a limited number of commercial flights have only just resumed operations from Dubai today.
Former Football Star Rio Ferdinand Shares Similar Fears
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, who relocated to Dubai with his family last year, has also spoken out about the "scary" reality of living in the Gulf during the ongoing hostilities. Ferdinand described the anxiety of hearing missiles, planes, and fighter jets overhead, alongside the sound of explosions.
Ferdinand explained: "It's frightening when you hear missiles, planes and fighter jets - I don't know what it is - going above us, and you're hearing big bombs, and what that is we don't know as we don't know the details of what they are. It's telling your kids what it is and helping them navigate through this moment, which is important especially as the dad of the house. You want to try and remain calm and keep everybody as calm as possible."
The ex-England international revealed that his family sought refuge in their basement during the initial nights of intense noise, utilising the space as a makeshift bunker with duvets and essential supplies. He added that despite the fear, he felt relatively secure and looked after in his current circumstances.
Government Response and Evacuation Efforts
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper addressed the crisis on Tuesday, emphasising that the government is "working with airlines, with the travel industry, with governments across the region to make sure that there will be safe ways for people to return home."
Cooper stated: "The safety and security of British citizens is our top priority, and we know that hundreds of thousands of people have been affected by the conflict and escalation in the Middle East and the Gulf. This includes holiday makers, business travellers and visitors who can’t return home because of airspace closures or strikes. That’s why we have the Foreign Office crisis centre that is open 24/7 and why we’ve asked people to sign up to register your presence, so that we can make sure there is up to date information and to follow travel advice across the region. The team here will keep doing everything possible to make sure that advice is updated and to do everything possible to keep British citizens secure and safe."
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing efforts to facilitate the safe return of stranded individuals amidst the volatile security landscape in the Middle East.
