'Madness... Crazy' - Alan Shearer hits out at Newcastle United decision after 'not ideal' claim

Alan Shearer has branded Newcastle United’s post-season trip to Australia as “madness”.

Just hours after beating Brentford on the final day of the Premier League season to secure a top seven finish, Eddie Howe’s side hopped on a flight to Melbourne to participate in ‘Global Football Week’. The Magpies play Tottenham Hotspur at the MCG on Wednesday before facing the A-League All Stars.

Indeed, the visit to Oceania has attracted criticism, not least from one of their own players Kieran Trippier, who last week said: “It's not ideal because it's a tournament year. I understand why the club are doing it. I've done it at Tottenham and Atletico Madrid. But from my own experience of it - in a tournament year (with the Euros and Copa America) - it's not ideal.

“But we're players, we've got to do what's right for the club, for the club to move forward. When we're there it'll be good, we'll embrace it and experience it. Hopefully it goes smoothly.

“It's not just England, you've got so many nations and clubs. But it's one of those where you have just got to get on with it. But of course, for me as a player, it's not really ideal. It's not like it's Benidorm round the corner, it's 25 hours away! There's no excuses or anything, I understand why the club are doing it and we've just got to get on with it.”

Indeed, Newcastle legend Shearer sympathises with Trippier and his teammates - namely international stars such as Bruno Guimaraes and Miguel Almiron - who will compete at either Euro 2024 or the Copa America next month.

“Madness,” Shearer said on Match of the Day. “Crazy. Crazy. Can you imagine if you’re a player playing at either the Copa America or Euros and having to do that? I wouldn’t be happy at all. Crazy.”

Howe has named a 29-man squad for the trip Down Under with their most notable absences including Fabian Schar, Martin Dubravka and Sean Longstaff. The trio were involved against Brentford.

Meanwhile, Anthony Gordon, who missed the 4-2 win versus the Bees because of an ankle injury, also hasn’t travelled to Oz.