Alan Shearer took the opportunity to aim a dig at Mike Ashley following Newcastle’s 3-2 win over Oxford United on Tuesday night, reports Chronicle Live.
The Magpies took the game to extra time after the U’s scored a late equaliser, and it was Allan Saint-Maximin who was relied upon to put the game back in Newcastle’s favour, scoring a thumping winner in the 116th minute.
Following the game, club legend Shearer analysed a variety of topics from the fixture, one of which was the impact that the result could have on the dressing room.
Gabby Logan asked Shearer if he thought the ‘corks would be popping’ in the dressing room, and whether Ashley, who had been in attendance during the game, would have ‘sent something down’ to celebrate with.
Shearer responded with a dig at the Newcastle owner, reported by Chronicle Live as saying:
Are you sure of that? It costs money to buy champagne.
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Mike Ashley’s reputation is seemingly set in stone at this point, but if Shearer’s light-hearted comment is anything to go by, many supporters will be delighted if this proposed takeover goes through.
Ashley has had the Magpies in a financially restrictive chokehold for some time now, and given the size of the club and the Newcastle fan base, it is a shame that they haven’t really been awarded the same opportunity to grow as many other similar clubs in the Premier League have.
With one Newcastle supporter telling BBC Sport that he doesn’t “want to give Mike Ashley any more of [his] cash,” it is easy to see how the negative reaction of the fans towards the club won’t cease until Ashley relinquishes control and finds a new buyer.
Shearer’s comment embodies that in a subtle way, and I’m sure he’ll be hoping as much as any other fan that this proposed Saudi Arabian takeover goes through.
