'I'm not biased' - Man United and West Ham namechecked in Newcastle United battle

Alan Shearer insisted there was “no need” for Paul Dummett to drag Ashley Young down during Newcastle United’s 1-1 draw with Everton.

With 11 minutes remaining, the Magpies looked set to edge out a 1-0 win over Sean Dyche’s side. A victory would have lifted Newcastle above West Ham and just two points behind Manchester United in sixth.

However, the game spun when Lewis Hall hobbled off - piling further injury misery on Eddie Howe - for the veteran Dummett. The Kenton native had played just four minutes of Premier League action all season but was given his chance to see the result out.

But disaster struck moments later when Dummett foolishly pulled Ashley Young to the floor. A lengthy VAR check resulted in Everton being awarded a penalty - and Dominic Calvert-Lewin slotted home.

Newcastle ultimately blew the chance to gain ground on their European rivals against a Toffees side now winless in 13 top-flight fixtures. Toon icon Shearer echoed fans’ frustrations post-match - calling Dummett’s moment of madness a “definite” spot-kick.

“Oh yeah, it was a definite penalty,” he told Match of the Day. “Just to show I’m not biased, as much as I thought Newcastle’s was a certain pen at the weekend, this is a definite one as well.

“Paul Dummett, who hadn’t been on the pitch too long, there was no need to do it. The keeper is coming out and collecting it with ease there. He’s just dragged him down.”

Shearer also rued the injury crisis while assessing Newcastle’s chances of a European finish. He added: “It’s frustrating with all of the injuries that they’ve got. But they’re in a battle with Man United, West Ham and Brighton to finish sixth. (They’re) up against it, though.”