Shearer Hammers Mackem

Last updated : 11 March 2019 By Footy Mad - Editor

Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has slammed Jordan Pickford's performance on Saturday during Everton's defeat to the Magpies.

Image result for Newcastle 3 Everton 2

United came from 2-0 down to beat Everton 3-2 on Saturday, maintaining the six point gap between themselves and the relegation zone.

The former Sunderland goalkeeper was at fault for the second of Newcastle's goals and seemed to get involved with Magpies fans far too often.

After bringing down Salomon Rondon in a challenge more routinely seen at Kingston Park as opposed to St James' Park, the 25-year-old escaped a red card.

He then saved the resultant penalty from Matt Ritchie before celebrating in front of the Leazes End.

In the second half, he provoked the Gallowgate End by sticking his tongue out and gesturing to fans behind the goal after a Rondon effort trickled wide.

It even continued when he was walking down the tunnel, with the England international jokingly offering a fan 'outside' before winking.

And Shearer has labelled Pickford's behaviour 'ridiculous' and 'bizarre' and criticised him for getting carried away in the situation.

"I was at Newcastle to watch a very strange performance from England keeper Jordan Pickford," Shearer wrote in The Sun. "In fact, it was stupid at times.

"He should have been sent off for his rugby tackle on Salomon Rondon and I’m still not sure why he wasn't.

"But he simply got carried away and involved in things he shouldn’t have been. He let the crowd and occasion get to him.

"Pickford should know as an ex-Sunderland player he will get stick from Newcastle fans.

But then he wants to get involved with gestures and smiles.

"It’s a ridiculous and bizarre way of behaving when he should be focusing on keeping the ball out."

Pickford has been England's number one for the last year but Shearer believes that position is in doubt after his performances this season.

"I’m worried for him England wise now. He was outstanding at the World Cup in Russia and should be making the shirt his.

"But even basic saves he tries to make look spectacular. Everything seems to be an issue.

"He is not a kid any more. There comes a time when you’ve got to do the simple things right.

"Gareth Southgate announces the England squad on Wednesday and Pickford is having a poor season.

"Tom Heaton also had a poor game for Burnley at Liverpool with a couple of errors, but it could be him that takes Pickford’s place.

"Goalkeeper is the position we’ve not really got many options in.

"Pickford should still be in the driving seat, but he’s not doing himself any favours."