Six-word Alan Shearer’s ‘strange’ reaction to Newcastle’s tricky FA Cup quarter-final draw

Newcastle United’s FA Cup quarter-final opponents have been revealed following their fifth-round victory against Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday night.
Gary Lineker, host of Match of the Day, quipped that Newcastle United great Alan Shearer hid beneath his desk after the Magpies drew Manchester City in the FA Cup quarterfinals.

Eddie Howe’s side advanced to the competition’s last eight after defeating Blackburn Rovers in a penalty shootout on Tuesday. After Anthony Gordon’s opening was cancelled out by Sammie Szmodics in normal time, Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka saved Dominic Hyam’s penalty kick to secure a 4-3 shootout victory.

The quarter-final draw took place prior to the FA Cup fifth-round action on Wednesday evening. Newcastle were the last team drawn out, and they had a difficult challenge in reaching the semi-finals, with Pep Guardiola’s side standing in their way of Wembley.

Shearer is in Nottinghamshire this evening to co-commentate with Steve Bower as Nottingham Forest host Manchester United on BBC Match of the Day. As he turned over to the duo in the gantry, Lineker joked: “Let us join our commentators Steve Bower and Alan Shearer, who I am not sure has got over the draw yet.”

Bower continued, “Don’t wind him up before kickoff, Gary. I told you that. He had just hidden beneath his desk before I bring him in, immediately after the quarter-final draw.”

After going through the two teams, the main commentator stated, “He has come out from under the desk.” Shearer laughed and answered, “Yeah, it is a tough draw, thank you for reminding me, Gary.”

The FA Cup quarter-finals will be played on either Saturday, March 16 or Sunday, March 17.