Newcastle United supporters have been reacting on Twitter to Alan Shearer’s analysis of the club’s chances of staying in the Premier League.
Steve Bruce’s men were held to a disappointing 0-0 draw at the Hawthorns by relegation-threatened West Brom on Sunday afternoon.
The result has left the Magpies in 16th position in the top-flight standings, just one point and two places above the relegation zone, albeit with a game in hand over 18th places Fulham.
It’s been an extremely frustrating and underwhelming season for the St. James’ Park outfit, with their fans unhappy with the lack of ambition shown by owner Mike Ashley and the style of football their side play under Bruce’s stewardship.
The stalemate over the weekend led to Match of the Day pundit and club-legend Shearer sharing his thoughts on Newcastle survival chances, but several sections of the Magpies fanbase were unhappy with his apparent refusal to criticise Bruce.
“Hugely disappointing, he put all the blame on Fraser, Willock and Joelinton and not a dicky bird on his mate going to WBA and playing for a 0-0 draw. This is hugely deflating for fans, all we ask is put club first as any fan does. #BruceOut”
“No criticism for Bruce. Very disappointing.”
“Love the bloke but why doesn’t he tell it how it is? Fulham’s momentum should have no bearing, we’re where we are because of Steve Bruce”
“They never say bad about there mate Bruce. This is a Newcastle legend! If Bruce was my pal & I was in the media limelight I would let lose & say my feeling as a friend & not care about falling out. Because if Bruce is not man enough to be criticism that’s a friend I don’t need”
“Time to have a word with his pal Bruce about resigning”
“Getting his opinion is absolutely pointless, never criticises his mate.”
Newcastle are in real danger of being relegated for a third time under Ashley’s ownership, so the blame doesn’t solely lie at Bruce’s door for their precarious position. However, the lack of criticism the former Hull City and Aston Villa boss receives from pundits is quite astonishing.