Alan Shearer grassed up as Newcastle United legend reacts to Sunderland promotion off-camera
Newcastle United and Sunderland will be in the Premier League together for the first time since 2015-16.
Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has reacted to Sunderland’s promotion back to the Premier League.
For the first time in nine years, the Tyne-Wear derby will grace England’s top-flight after the Black Cats ended their eight-year absence by beating Sheffield United 2-1 in the Championship play-off final at Wembley on Saturday.
Regis Le Bris’ side fell behind when Tyrese Campbell opened the scoring before VAR ruled out Harrison Burrows’ goal for 2-0. It wasn’t until the 76th minute that Eliezer Mayenda equalised before Tommy Watson scored the winner in the fifth minute of stoppage time.
When will the Premier League confirm the dates of Tyne-Wear derby?
The Premier League has confirmed the 2025-26 fixtures will be released on Wednesday, June 18, with the Tyne-Wear derby set to be the first fixtures Newcastle and Sunderland supporters look out for.
A Premier League statement read: “The release of the fixtures for the 2025/26 Premier League season has been confirmed to take place at 09:00 BST on Wednesday 18 June 2025.
“Dates for all 380 matches will be released at that time on premierleague.com and via the Premier League's official app.
“The Premier League 2025/26 season dates have been confirmed, with the opening match round starting on Saturday 16 August 2025.
“The final match round will be played on Sunday 24 May 2026, when all matches will kick off simultaneously as usual. The 2025/26 season will consist of 33 weekends and five midweek match rounds.
Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer reacts to Sunderland’s promotion
Shearer appeared on the Match of the Day on Sunday night to review all of the Premier League final day matches.
It was there that Shearer was asked about Sunderland’s promotion, to which he replied: “I’m pleased they’re back up. They’re great games to play in.”
However, co-pundit Micah Richards quickly grassed Shearer up. “That’s not what you said in the green room,” said the former Manchester City defender before presenter Gary Lineker jumped in and said “What is said in the green room stays in the green room.”
Shearer was in a jubilant mood after watching Newcastle qualify for the Champions League following a huge favour from Manchester United.
United lost 1-0 to Everton but because Aston Villa lost 2-0 away to Man United, Eddie Howe’s side finished fifth on goal difference.
Eddie Howe reacts to Sunderland’s promotion
In the midst of qualifying for the Champions League on Sunday, Howe admitted he’d almost forgotten about Sunderland’s promotion.
The 47-year-old first tasted the rivalry last year as Newcastle won 3-0 at the Stadium of Light in the FA Cup.
“I'd almost forgotten about that, to be honest, in amongst today, but of course, that was there yesterday and make it more difficult,” Howe said.
“I think the derby games are obviously very intense games and they are challenging for both teams, but I think we'll have the attitude that we'll look forward to it. I think it's great for the area. I think it brings more energy and drama to the game, so let's bring it on.”