Alan Shearer's seven-word verdict as Newcastle United crash out of Champions League

Alan Shearer has reacted to Newcastle United's 2-1 defeat against AC Milan as the club's European journey came to an end.

The Magpies led 1-0 at half-time after Joelinton's breakthrough. With the scoreline level between Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain, United had one foot in the Champions League last 16.

Dortmund and PSG finished 1-1 but Newcastle's fortunes turned in the second half as goals from Cristian Pulisic and Samuel Chukwueze sent Eddie Howe's side out of Europe.

A draw would have been enough for Europa League football in February but Milan snatched that away from their hosts.

Reacting to a dramatic night, Shearer tweeted at full-time: "So near, yet so far. Well done @acmilan #NEWACM @ChampionsLeague."

Newcastle face a big challenge to get back into the Champions League next season with Howe's men sat 7th in the Premier League table, seven points off the top four.