Alan Shearer, the legendary Newcastle United striker, has compared his beloved club to Celtic, drawing parallels between the passionate fanbases of both teams. After Newcastle’s 2-1 win over Liverpool in the League Cup final, which led to in an open-top bus parade, Shearer took the opportunity to reflect on the unique bond between the club and its supporters.
Soccer Football – FA Cup – Quarter Final – Newcastle United v Manchester City – St James’ Park, Newcastle, Britain – June 28, 2020 Former players and England legends Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker, as play resumes behind closed doors following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Owen Humphreys/Pool via REUTERS
Newcastle’s Unique Fan Culture
Shearer spoke warmly on The Rest Is Football Podcast, praising the unwavering devotion of Newcastle’s supporters. He emphasised how the club has united generations of fans, saying, “It’s a life. It is really, honestly, I don’t think I’ve been anywhere in the country where you have nanas and grandas, mums and dads, young kids and everyone who wears the black and white shirt like the Newcastle people do.”
This deep-rooted connection is what makes Newcastle United so special. Shearer noted that the sense of community and pride within the city is unlike any other, with fans from all walks of life showing up in force to celebrate their team’s success.
The Celtic Connection
Shearer’s comments also drew comparisons with Celtic, another club whose supporters share a similarly passionate devotion to their team. While acknowledging the similarities, he specifically mentioned that the fan cultures in Liverpool and Glasgow (especially with the rivalry between Celtic and Rangers) come close to what he’s experienced in Newcastle.
Celtic fans have long been known for their unwavering support, whether at home or away, and Shearer’s recognition of that commitment underlines just how deeply ingrained football is in the fabric of these cities. Both Newcastle and Celtic boast fiercely loyal fanbases, and Shearer believes that this connection is something rare in the world of football.
Soccer Football – Champions League – Celtic v BSC Young Boys – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – January 22, 2025 Celtic’s Adam Idah celebrates their first goal with fans, an own goal scored by BSC Young Boys’ Loris Benito REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
A Community Like No Other
What Shearer highlights, and what resonates with Celtic fans, is the sheer intensity of the support. For both clubs, football is more than just a sport; it’s a way of life. It’s in the DNA of their supporters, and that sense of belonging is what drives the atmosphere at both St. James’ Park and Celtic Park. Whether it’s celebrating a cup win or enduring a tough season, the fans of both clubs stand together, united in their love for their team.
Shearer’s comments serve as a reminder of the unique bond between a club and its supporters. Just as Newcastle’s parade was a celebration of the city’s footballing pride, Celtic’s triumphs are equally cherished and shared by a support that lives and breathes the club.
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