‘Awful’ – Alan Shearer delivers blunt view as controversial VAR call spares Newcastle’s blushes at Bournemouth
Alan Shearer has hit out at Newcastle's performance against Bournemouth, describing it as 'awful'.
The Magpies played out a 1-1 draw, a result that they were fortunate to get after a late Cherries header from Dango Ouattara was ruled out by VAR for offside.
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Despite a bright start, it was the Cherries who dominated proceedings on the south coast with Eddie Howe's side barely laying a glove on his former club.
One man who was not impressed with Newcastle's performance was club legend Shearer, who didn't hold back when taking to social media.
Taking to X, Shearer wrote: "Other than the first 10 mins that was awful.
"Second best in everything. Body language in that first half was awful. Bournemouth miles better."
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While dominating possession for long spells, it was Bournemouth who always looked more likely to make something happen.
Howe then made a number of changes in the second half with Harvey Barnes, Kieran Trippier, Lewis Hall and Joe Willock entering the fray.
Those changes seemed to ignite Newcastle's ambitions, with substitute Barnes teeing up Anthony Gordon to level the game and set up an exciting finale.
While the Magpies pushed forward, it was Bournemouth who thought they got the win thanks to Ouattara.
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Thankfully for the Tynesiders, the header was ruled out for handball, despite being given by the referee on the pitch.
VAR intervened and decided that no goal would be given, much to the fury of Bournemouth boss Iraola and his coaching team.
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Shearer then added: "A lucky point as that’s an awful decision re hand ball. Never hand ball for me."
Asked if it feels like a win, Howe told talkSPORT: “It feels like a draw, but I know what you mean.
“In that moment we thought we’d lost the game and that would have been cruel on us, I think, but VAR came to our rescue in that moment.
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“Without the goal at the end I’d have said we deserved more, but with the goal it’s difficult to say that.
“Our performance wasn’t perfect, but it was good. This is a tough ground to come to, Bournemouth are a good team and we’re building our fitness.
“We’re still one or two players short of where they need to be, but all things considered four points from two games is a good start.”
Next up for Newcastle in the Premier League is a home clash with Tottenham, while Bournemouth travel to face Everton.
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