Alan Shearer is a name that isn’t overly popular amongst Celtic supporters.
Shearer revealed he turned down Celtic twice in his career and spent the majority of his playing days at his beloved Newcastle United to become the Premier League’s all-time leading goalscorer.
Kenny Dalglish and Martin O’Neill both failed in their pursuits to land the striker and Hoops fans were never afraid to make their feelings clear on the England international’s rejection with some x-rated chants.
But, when Shearer decided to hang up his boots, he chose Celtic as the opponents for his testimonial.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty images
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty images
Alan Shearer’s respect for Celtic
Celtic went on to lose 3-2, with Shearer scoring the winner from the penalty spot on what turned out to be a great day.
Before that, it seemed an odd decision to choose the Bhoys as the opposition. However, in the statement, Newcastle claimed that there was a mutual respect between the two clubs.
The Hoops’ chairman at the time, Brian Quinn, said: “Alan’s goalscoring record at Newcastle and throughout his career at club and international level is a phenomenal achievement.
“We are sure a number of our supporters will make their way to Newcastle to play their part in football history and pay tribute to a true footballing legend.”
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Shearer has since complimented Celtic’s atmosphere on many occasions while working as a pundit.
Alan Shearer will always have Celtic vs Rangers regret
19 years on from that day in 2006, Celtic will play Newcastle as part of their 2025 pre-season schedule.
The game will be hosted at Celtic Park and Shearer could be in attendance to see that.
Although he rejected Celtic before, he admitted in 2022 that he would’ve loved to have been involved in a Glasgow derby.
On the Match of the Day top 10 podcast, he said: “I’ve been to a lot of these games, but that Glasgow Derby is something else. My god, it is ferocious. Both grounds at Celtic and at Rangers, it is a proper hatred isn’t it?
“It’s something different up there.”