Alan Shearer aimed a cheeky jibe at Match of the Day host Gary Lineker halfway through the frustrating draw with Leicester City which confirmed Newcastle United's place in the Champions League next season. The Magpies only required a point from their final two matches to seal a top-four spot, and celebrated at the full-time whistle despite the goalless draw with the Foxes on Monday night.
The hosts were unable to find a breakthrough before the interval, despite dominating possession and a creating a flurry of late chances. Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson both struck the woodwork, with the in-form number nine also seeing his follow-up effort cleared off the line.
Newcastle continued to dominate possession following the restart, and Bruno Guimaraes saw a close-range header bounce back off the post. However, Nick Pope was called into action in added time as Leicester threatened to nick a winner with their only shot on target through Timothy Castagne.
READ MORE: Delight and relief for Newcastle supporters as Leicester draw confirms Champions League spot
The point ensures Liverpool can not overtake Newcastle on the final day, while Leicester now know they need to beat West Ham and hope Everton do not Bournemouth. It was an ultra-defensive approach from Dean Smith's side, and Shearer mocked the tactic with a half-time message to Lineker.
Shearer posted at half-time: "How you feeling Gary Lineker did you get excited when your team crossed the half way line!!?"
Following the full-time whistle however, Shearer summed up the mood of the Toon Army with the post: "Champions league anybody"
One fan replied: "Frustrating game tonight and Nick Pope is the GOAT- Job done though, Europe here we come!" Another fan answered: "You must be proud, congrats! Sure Robson & Speed are looking down, proud of the club, the players, the backroom staff and the fans."
